Assessing agritourism potential in a Jordanian village based on farmer-specific and location-based factors

Abstract

Rural towns worldwide are undertaking tourism programs to diversify and revitalize their economies. Despite its natural, cultural, and historical tourist potential, Jordan is not a top agritourism destination. This research examines the possibilities for agritourism in an agricultural village in Jordan that has not yet embraced it. The research investigates what motivates or discourages village farmers from engaging in agritourism and the geographical aspects of this expected agritourism venue. The research method relies on GIS analysis of the case study site to establish its suitability for agritourism development. Farmers were asked about their views and motives for engaging in Al-Baqura’s agritourism development. The GIS study revealed that Al-baqura has the geographical characteristics that identify it as a prospective agritourism destination. The economic, social, and environmental benefits of agritourism motivate the local community to support it. This study reveals that improving demand for local products, promoting cultural interchange and experience possibilities, and enhancing the region’s image, are vital to agritourism’s success. The variance analysis found no statistically significant association between participants’ economic, social, and environmental perspectives of agritourism depending on gender, education level, or farm ownership. Despite the farmers’ eagerness, the town has no agritourism initiative yet. Therefore, the government should offer aid to the local community to promote tourism.

Keywords

• agritourism
• Jordan
• attitudes
• sustainable development
• rural area