Assessing the potential of agritourism at Neudamm, Namibia
The share of the agricultural Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Namibia is lower than that of the average Sub-Saharan Africa. Correspondingly, is the share of agricultural labour force, which has also, been declining since the country’s independence (Mushendami, Biwa and Gaomab 2008). The University of Namibia (UNAM) experienced this reality, primarily, through potential of income generating opportunity at Neudamm Campus. As a result of this precarious condition, and the declining of UNAM’s government subsidy, the university had to explore alternative income streams. One such alternative avenue is the agritourism opportunity at Neudamm. Very few studies have so far assessed agritourism factors of success in global north whilst global south lack such studies. This gap in literature in assessing agritourism factors of success in the global south necessitated this study. The research concluded firstly, that economic factors are not the only determining factors of successful agritourism but also social factors. Secondly, the findings established that Neudamm suffers from several shortcomings and therefore, potential viable agritourism cannot be achieved without addressing those shortcomings. Thirdly, critical success factors of agritourism were found to be natural bonding dynamics of various forms of capital. As a result, the study recommended nomination of Neudamm as a place of heritage importance due to its historical importance. Furthermore, policy directives such as Affirmative Action Loan Scheme (AALS) and National Agricultural Credit Program (NACP) need urgent review thirty two years after Namibia’s independence, to foster national reconciliation. Additionally, the implementation of agritourism concept at farm Neudamm is fervently advised by addressing shortcomings and adding tangible visionary stage for the TALC model during agritourism destination development process is proposed.
Agritourism, Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Neudamm
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