The role of spice gardens on income generation of agro-entrepreneurs in the central province of Sri Lanka

Abstract

Introduction :

Agro-tourism has been defined as a process which attracting visitors and travelers to cultivated areas with educational and recreational aims. Agro-tourism provides rural experiences to travelers while generating indirect revenues for the rural households. Agro-tourism can also encourage primary industry, agriculture as well as tourism sector; and creates a win – win situation for all stakeholders (Singh, 2007). Agro based tourism is one of the optimal solutions to improve the rural communities’ living standards and maintains the socio cultural and ecological equilibrium (Silva and Wimalaratana, 2006).

Sri Lanka’s rural community has been dominated by agriculture since ancient times and they have produce various kinds of agricultural products such as rice, grains, spices, rubber, coconut etc. (World Fact Book, 2012). On the other hand, Sri Lanka is one of the favorite travel destinations in South Asia for tourism. Hence, the advisory panel on community based sustainable tourism in Sri Lanka (2008) identified that Sri Lanka as a suitable destination for Agro-tourism practices. Spice gardens in Sri Lanka wdirect impact on their daily income. However, since tourism sector of the country is not fully explored the spice garden based agro-tourism opportunities are still in their initial stage, while only a few agro- tourism destinations are operating at present with minimal facilities and services (Lakpura, 2013). The issues related to this problem and the role of spice gardens on income generation and its contribution on development of the agro based tourism industry have not been empirically studied.ere established for commercial purpose by the Dutch during the colonial period and these were established around the country. Most of them are based on agro-tourism projects. The literature review of the study clearly indicates that the arrival of tourists and the strategies followed by the spice gardens owners have