03 / agritourism: as a form of education

In South Africa there is saying that when times are bad or there is problem to be solved then "n boer maak 'n plan" (a farmer makes a plan) Of course this is applied in the general as well as the specific sense.

However, as the economic recession bites ever deeper, the ability for many people to earn money to feed and clothe self and family becomes less and less. In small towns populations dwindle as the younger generation move to the cities hoping for better work opportunities. Other men and women act in reverse and move from city suburbs to small towns hoping that the cost of living will be less and that their money will stretch further.

The result has been that the countryside has seen the development of a culture of agritourism - that is from the farming point of view. It has proved to be a popular secondary income which, while not happening overnight, has become a way to widen their earning capacity. In a sense it has been an educational learning curve!

Farmers and their families carefully assessed assets and took note of how they could be used. Unused and or broken down houses were repaired and turned into attractive and habitable places to rent. In the cities and suburbs many people had found that they could only afford shorter holiday periods and not too far from home – the cost of petrol being a consideration. So together with children, and sometimes even their pets, a farm holiday was booked. From a practical point of view children and even some adults were now in a position to see and understand the realities of how the food they eat is grown and produced and not as something that comes straight off a supermarket shelf.

Some dairy farmers began making cheese as a sideline. I recently read of a cheese-maker who plays classical music when milking his cows. He appears convinced that this improves the quality of the cheese. In other instances portions of farms were turned into a small animal enclosure especially for younger guests; hiking / walking trails were created on spare land, as were game or bird viewing hides. In some cases female farm-workers were drawn in to earn extra money for themselves. They were organized, taught or helped to improve whatever their skill. For example, learning or improving an ability to crochet, knit, sew, making ethnic dolls, bead work, pottery - all for possible sale. A restaurant might be opened on the farm with farm-workers being used in the cooking and cleaning process. In certain areas groups of tribal dancers may be included to entertain guests. In this way daily farming activities are mixed with practical secondary ways of supplementing income. Other money making ideas are attractive roadside stalls that sell home made jams, chutneys, breads or fresh fruit and vegetables.

All of the above may not be a new idea and is also not confined to farmers but it is proof of the opening statement 'n boer maak 'n plan, that when necessity demands action, answers are found.