A Conceptual Framework for Agri-Food Tourism as an Eco-Innovation Strategy in Small Farms

Abstract

Abstract:The proposed conceptual framework explores how small-scale farms can combine agricultural products and tourism into an eco-innovation strategy. This paper presents a case study conducted on a family-run farm within the territory of the Paiwan tribal community of the North Dawu Mountain situated in the Central Mountain Range of Taiwan. The area has become an important coffee-farming region since the Japanese colonial period between 1895 and 1945. For many years, most of the indigenous farmers of the area have cultivated varieties of coffee plants using traditional, non-commercial methods, such as a single-sale channel. The small-scale farmer implements an integrated approach that systematically optimizes supply chain relationships to improve both the upstream and downstream sides of agri-food tourism services. The upstream element of agri-food tourism, for example, can be adjusted to employ organic or "natural" farming methods that allow small-scale farmers to secure an "organic" certification. Based on this approach, a small farm is gradually transformed into a type of educational institution that can demonstrate to customers the methods for farming high-quality organic coffee while also attracting tourists of various backgrounds to experience the downstream components of agri-food tourism in a recreational setting. This case study highlights how a particular small-scale farmer plays an important role in attracting other tribal farmers to engage in sustainable practices that help preserve cultural, social, and environmental systems while also presenting agri-food tourism as a brand identity.

Turning Farmers into Business Partners through Value Co-Creation Projects. Insights from the Coffee Supply Chain

“…From a variety of disciplines, "resilience" can be defined as the capacity of a supply chain to reduce potential vulnerabilities and resist turbulence [2,29]. Svensson [13], who links resilience to supply chain vulnerability, describes resilience as deviations from the standard that were not expected as well as related negative consequences.…”

“…The framework proved to be a useful tool for early qualitative evaluation; through group discussion based on the dimensions that were identified, the framework allowed for the identification of best practices of empowerment within value co-creation projects as well as areas for future improvement. In this regard, the framework, as well as the methodology that was employed to test the framework's validity, can be adopted and adapted by the management of firms and NGOs that interact with vulnerable stakeholders in similarly global and complex agri-food supply chains characterized by power uncertainties and relational complexities [29], such as the cocoa or tea supply chains. Secondly, the cross-country investigation on 20 value co-creation projects permitted the development of a managerial empowerment model that can be utilized by practitioners to more effectively design empowerment initiatives addressed to increase the outcomes of value co-creation projects and supply chain resilience.…”

“…To this end, an empowerment model that identifies specific empowerment initiatives was designed and will be discussed as a practical contribution of the study. The framework, the refined methodology, and the empowerment model can all be replicated and applied to similar investigations of long and complex supply chains [29].…”

Sustainable Management of a Mountain Community Vulnerable to Geohazards: A Case Study of Maolin District, Taiwan

“…Moreover, there is a need for a value-added approach to tourism development in Maolin. Such initiatives can follow the success of small-scale coffee growers [37]. Furthermore, there is much room for improvement; visitors stay for a short period of time in the study area.…”

Ecoinovação no Agronegócio: revisão sistemática da literatura

“…No âmbito científico, a falta de estudos acerca de ecoinovação em determinadas regiões do globo, sobretudo Ásia e África, impedem uma conscientização mundial quanto à relevância de esforços para seu desenvolvimento (LIU et al, 2017). Por outro lado, o interesse dos gestores políticos em investir na engenharia de paisagens confronta a possibilidade dos cientistas em demonstrar a eficiência destas na minimização do uso de pesticidas mediante controle biológico (SALLIOU; BARNAUD, 2017).…”