Nepal, nestled in South Asia, finds itself ensconced between China (Tibet) to the north and India encompassing it from the east, west, and south.

It boasts a multifaceted appeal, renowned for various distinctive attributes. Situated 1127 km away from the nearest sea, its dimensions span approximately 193 km N-S and 885 km E-W, encompassing an area of 147,516 square kilometers (56,956 square miles) within the latitude range of 80° 4′ N and 88°12’ E longitude.

The country’s terrain is a tapestry of diversity, encompassing the low-lying Terai region in the south, with elevations averaging between 70 to 200 meters (230 to 660 feet), and the majestic peaks of the Himalayas in the north, crowned by the lofty Mount Everest soaring to a height of 8,848.86 meters (29,031.7 feet) above sea level.

Nestled between these extremes, the undulating hills of the Mahabharat Range, varying in elevation from 500 to 3,000 meters, are speckled with urban centers such as Kathmandu and Pokhara.

The Terai plains experience a warm and humid climate, nurturing verdant forests and abundant agriculture, with Lumbini, the hallowed birthplace of Lord Buddha, standing as a testament to its cultural significance.

Nepal’s hydrology is defined by its abundant water resources, including major rivers like the Koshi and Gandaki, while its biodiverse landscape provides sanctuary to rare species such as the Bengal tiger and the elusive snow leopard.

Despite the ever-present threat of seismic activity, Nepal’s geographical abundance remains a cornerstone of its cultural heritage, ecological resilience, and economic promise.

Agro-tourism in Nepal refers to the practice of promoting tourism experiences that showcase the country’s agricultural heritage, practices, and products.

It involves tourists visiting farms, plantations, and rural areas to learn about agricultural techniques, participate in farming activities, and immerse themselves in the local agricultural lifestyle.

Agro-tourism has a variety to offer for tourists, from observing our farming methods to experiencing the cultivation and production process of various vegetation as well as fruits.

Additionally, agro-tourism can include activities such as farm stays, organic farming workshops, culinary experiences featuring locally grown produce, and tours of agricultural landscapes.

This aspect of tourism helps local farmers gain new modern ideas and methods of farming via cultural exchange, also boosts as a secondary source of income to rural communities and promotes social harmony between both.

Although not an identical hub for Agro-tourism, Nepal offers much in natural beauty and landscapes, making it an important destination that covers various tourism sectors.

Agro-tourism is one of the alternative tourism forms and it is the newest form of tourism in the world, also known as agricultural tourism, agro-tourism, agri-ecotourism, farm tourism, farm-based tourism, vacation farms, farm stays, and others (Kokko, 2011).

Agro-tourism in the Global Context

The global agro-tourism market is growing steadily, valued at $181.94 billion in 2019 and projected to reach $260.63 billion by 2027 with a CAGR of 5.8%.

It is prevalent in regions like Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America.

Agro-tourism attracts a diverse range of visitors, contributing significantly to rural economies and employing 8.9% of rural populations globally.

Sustainability practices are increasingly important, with 87% of travelers considering sustainable travel important.

Governments are supporting agro-tourism through various initiatives, while businesses are adopting technology to enhance visitor experiences.

Challenges include seasonality, inadequate infrastructure, regulations, and competition.

Collaborations between agribusinesses, tourism operators, and local communities are essential for the success of international agro-tourism initiatives.

Agro-tourism can take three forms: it can be developed as an alternate industry to agriculture, which has failed to evolve despite constant focus, or it can be developed to preserve the viability and durability of rural localities, or it can be developed as an activity to rejuvenate non-profitable agricultural activity.

By leveraging each other’s strengths and resources, stakeholders can create compelling experiences that benefit both visitors and host communities while generating sustainable economic growth.

Agro-Tourism Context in Nepal

Nepal is an agricultural country, with more than 55% of its population involved in agriculture.

According to the latest data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, 28% of the land area is agricultural.

In the fiscal year 2021/22, the agriculture sector alone contributed around 23% to the country’s GDP (Report by NRB).

Agriculture is evidently a major contributor to Nepal’s economy. The emerging concept of Agro-tourism can be a very sustainable approach towards these sectors as they complement each other very well.

Growth in one sector will surely promote growth in the other.

Tourism is the largest industry in Nepal and a major source of foreign currency. Recently, Kathmandu has been ranked as the number one tourist destination globally.

The natural beauty that Nepal offers to its tourists is highly attractive, and integrating agriculture with landscapes adds another dimension to its allure.

ASHAR 15 “The festival of Ropain & Dahi chiura” has always attracted many tourists who directly participate and engage like any other local community members.

Nepal occupies only 0.01% of the global area but harbors over 3% of the flora and over 1% of the fauna of the world.

Unique aspects such as mad honey hunting, the national flower “Rhododendron,” 2532 species of vascular plants, and 130 endemic spices found only in protected areas, along with various medicinal herbs like “Yarshagumba,” are globally recognized.

The year 2020 was declared to be celebrated as the “Tourism Year for Nepal.” Therefore, the development of agriculture and tourism is a key factor for the national economy, with agriculture being the backbone of the country’s rural and national economy.

Agro-tourism is one of the most attractive and fashionable ways of doing tourism in Nepal. In this context, a study was undertaken to figure out the status, prospects, challenges, and destinations of agro-tourism, solely for creating awareness among tourists globally.

Sagarmatha National Park and Chitwan National Park (the oldest in Nepal) were enlisted as world heritage sites by UNESCO in 1979 A.D. and 1984 A.D. respectively.

Agro-tourism can take three forms: It can be developed as an alternate industry to agriculture, which has failed to evolve despite constant focus, or it can be developed to preserve the viability and durability of rural localities, or it can be developed as an activity to rejuvenate non-profitable agricultural activity.

Why Agro-tourism?

In Nepal, considering agro-tourism as multiple dimensions of cultural, economic, and environmental opportunities:

Day-to-Day Living: The experience provides an opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the daily life of villagers in Nepal, experiencing their customs and cultures.

This includes activities such as planting crops, picking produce, and cooking traditional meals to help young people learn more about Nepali culture.

Agro-tourism and Sustainable Development: Agro-tourism promotes the rise of sustainable livelihoods for rural communities.

Diversifying income sources enables communities to reduce their dependence on subsistence farming, thereby alleviating poverty.

This economic sustainability naturally boosts the local economy and maintains traditional livelihoods.

Environmental Conservation: Many agro-tourism programs in Nepal aim to adopt sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural methods to cater to environmental conservation.

Visitors can learn about organic farming methods, the importance of biodiversity conservation, and natural resource protection by visiting these farms.

Agro-tourism protects Nepal’s fragile ecosystems and promotes eco-friendly practices, thereby reducing the impact of climate change.

Nepal’s Scenic Beauty: The diverse landscape of Nepal, including lush valleys and towering mountains, provides an incredible backdrop to agro-tourism pursuits.

While sightseeing rural areas on the return drive back to Kathmandu, tourists marvel at terraced fields, picturesque villages, and snow-capped peaks. All this adds to the panoramic beauty of the place, inviting the eyes of nature lovers, photographers, and tourists alike.

Food Experience: Agro-tourism allows visitors to sample fresh and organic produce straight from the farm.

Dining experiences range from farm-to-table concepts complete with traditional Nepali dishes prepared using locally sourced items.

According to a study by the Nepal Tourism Board, agro-tourism has been steadily gaining popularity, with an increasing number of tourists seeking authentic experiences beyond the popular trekking routes.

Exploring the culinary dimensions of Nepali cuisine constitutes another channel of cultural immersion reinforced by agro-tourism.

Destinations of Agro-tourism

National parks and conservation areas serve as prime destinations for agro-ecotourism in Nepal.

Within the small area of the country’s territory, the Government of Nepal has established 12 National Parks, 20 protected areas, 3 Wildlife reserves, 6 Conservation areas, 1 hunting reserve, and 9 Ramsar sites.

Sagarmatha National Park and Chitwan National Park (the oldest in Nepal) were enlisted as world heritage sites by UNESCO in 1979 A.D. and 1984 A.D. respectively.

Chitwan National Park is recognized as the best conservation area in all of Asia, boasting a fascinating range of wildlife roaming free in its jungles and grasslands.

Sagarmatha National Park, situated at high altitude, possesses much alpine agricultural vegetation, with Cordyceps sinensis being one of the most important types.

These protected areas are crucial for conservation efforts in Nepal, as 80 of the 118 identified ecosystems in Nepal are included within them.

These areas not only offer nature’s beauty but also high potential for producing crops and vegetables.

Importance of Agro-Tourism:

Agro-tourism plays a vital role in Nepal’s economy, offering a unique opportunity to explore the country’s rich agricultural heritage while promoting sustainable rural development.

One significant aspect is its contribution to the local economy. By providing farmers with an additional source of income through tourism activities like farm stays, guided tours, and cultural experiences, agro-tourism helps alleviate poverty and reduces dependency on traditional farming practices.

Market development efforts should focus on creating linkages and value chains for agricultural products, enabling farmers to access broader markets and secure sustainable income from agro-tourism.

Research indicates that agro-tourism has the potential to diversify Nepal’s tourism sector, which heavily relies on trekking and mountaineering.

According to a study by the Nepal Tourism Board, agro-tourism has been steadily gaining popularity, with an increasing number of tourists seeking authentic experiences beyond the popular trekking routes.

This trend highlights the growing demand for immersive experiences that connect travelers with local culture, traditions, and landscapes.

Moreover, agro-tourism contributes to the preservation of Nepal’s natural resources and traditional farming practices.

Many agro-tourism initiatives prioritize sustainable agriculture methods, such as organic farming and permaculture, which help conserve biodiversity and protect the environment.

Additionally, by showcasing traditional farming techniques and indigenous crops, agro-tourism helps safeguard Nepal’s agricultural heritage for future generations.

Challenges Agro-tourism Faces in Nepal:

Agro-tourism in Nepal faces several challenges that need addressing for its sustainable development.

Limited rural infrastructure, including transportation and accommodation, hampers tourist experiences.

Farmers struggle to access markets beyond local consumption, hindering income sustainability.

Capacity building is essential for farmers to effectively engage in agro-tourism, requiring training in hospitality and sustainable agriculture.

Seasonality affects income stability, necessitating diversified tourism offerings.

Balancing tourism with environmental conservation is crucial for long-term sustainability.

The absence of a tailored regulatory framework poses hurdles, while limited promotion and marketing efforts impede visibility.

Collaboration among stakeholders is vital to overcome these challenges and unlock agro-tourism’s full potential for rural development and sustainable tourism growth in Nepal.

Recommendations:

To enhance agro-tourism in Nepal, a comprehensive and collaborative approach is imperative.

This involves investing in rural infrastructure, such as roads, accommodations, and sanitation facilities, to improve the overall tourist experience and draw more visitors to agricultural areas.

By fostering collaborative efforts among government agencies, the private sector, civil society, and local communities, Nepal can unlock the full potential of agro-tourism to drive rural development, alleviate poverty, and promote sustainable tourism growth.

Market development efforts should focus on creating linkages and value chains for agricultural products, enabling farmers to access broader markets and secure sustainable income from agro-tourism.

Capacity building initiatives, including training programs on hospitality, tourism management, and sustainable agriculture, will elevate the quality of services and experiences offered to tourists.

Diversifying tourism offerings throughout the year, beyond peak agricultural seasons, can mitigate the effects of seasonality and ensure stable income for rural communities engaged in agro-tourism.

Environmental conservation measures are essential to safeguard Nepal’s natural resources and landscapes for the long term.

This includes promoting sustainable land management practices, effective waste management, and conservation efforts.

Establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework tailored to agro-tourism will provide clarity and guidance for stakeholders, fostering growth while protecting local communities and ecosystems.

Furthermore, increasing promotion and marketing efforts, both domestically and internationally, will raise awareness about Nepal’s agro-tourism offerings and attract a larger number of tourists seeking authentic rural experiences.

By fostering collaborative efforts among government agencies, the private sector, civil society, and local communities, Nepal can unlock the full potential of agro-tourism to drive rural development, alleviate poverty, and promote sustainable tourism growth.

(By: Prem Bahadur Dhami | Bikash Rauniyar)