The Prospects and Challenges of Developing Sustainable Agritourism in the Southeast Lowveld of Zimbabwe

A significant potential exists for sustainable agritourism development in Zimbabwe's southeast lowveld, particularly around commercial agro-sugar enterprises, due to abundant farmland resources such as citrus plantations, sugarcane farms, and cattle-ranching operations. These farms, strategically located near the Gonarezhou National Park, Great Zimbabwe monuments, and Tugwi-Mukosi Dam, could attract tourists and generate economic benefits for local communities. While farm owners expressed willingness to integrate agritourism into their ventures, challenges such as limited overnight accommodation, mosquito infestation, and land tenure uncertainties hinder progress. The study underscores the need for revised tourism policies that prioritize agritourism in fringe areas to align with global trends favoring unspoilt farm tourism. Conducted through qualitative surveys of tourism stakeholders across multiple sites, this research provides actionable insights for policymakers to craft micro-level sustainable agritourism frameworks.

Zhou, Z. (2024). The Prospects and Challenges of Developing Sustainable Agritourism in the Southeast Lowveld of Zimbabwe. Agritourism for Sustainable Development, 62–76. https://doi.org/10.1079/9781800623705.0005