Cultural heritage and region’s Identity through Farmer’s Guest Houses
Linda Gadhoum
Master student (2nd year)
Background
This research focuses on two key regions: Aso in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, and Djebba Al Olia in Tunisia. The primary aim is to develop a comprehensive understanding of how regional culture and identity can be preserved and promoted through the implementation of farmers' guest houses. By examining these two case studies, the research seeks to identify commonalities, draw comparisons, and highlight gaps in existing approaches. Ultimately, the study aims to propose strategies that leverage local innovations and concepts to enhance rural tourism and cultural preservation, with broader implications for similar regions facing comparable challenges.
Research Purpose
The objectives of this research are threefold:
- First, it seeks to explore and propose more sustainable methods of agricultural production and building practices by integrating sustainable philosophies and agritourism.
- Second, it highlights the pivotal role that farmers' guest houses play in preserving cultural heritage and historical traditions within rural communities.
- Finally, the research delves into the realm of sustainable tourism, emphasizing its critical role in promoting a positive image of farmers' guest houses as a vehicle for both cultural preservation and eco-friendly tourism practices.
Research Methods
This research employs a comprehensive survey of individuals from diverse age groups and backgrounds to achieve its objectives and record meaningful results. Chapter 1 presents a literature review from scholarly articles, theses, and reliable online sources. It analyzes the sustainable and eco-friendly practices of guesthouses, focusing on location, land use, climate, natural resources, and FAO's role, demonstrating how farm stays can integrate with sustainable tourism. Chapters 2 and 3 focus on case studies, with a particular emphasis on green tourism and sustainable practices, collected through site visits and local data. In Aso, Kumamoto, we engaged deeply with the local community, using purposive sampling to select key informants from farmers' guest houses, agriculture, and cultural sectors. Semi-structured interviews, ranging from informal to formal, were conducted to gather insights on guesthouses, culture, and sustainability. Ethnographic observations in farmers' guesthouses provided qualitative data on how guests interact with local culture and farming activities. The study also explored sustainable design, agritourism principles, and FAO's contributions. Chapter 4 compares the strengths and challenges of both case studies, offering solutions for enhancing both examples. The conclusion emphasizes the potential of guesthouses to promote sustainability and underscores the importance of preserving regional heritage and identity. The study areas were carefully selected after thorough analysis, comparison, and evaluation.
Research Details
Globalization and urbanization have caused individuals to become disconnected from their regional identities and cultures, leading to the rapid disappearance of traditional practices and knowledge. As younger generations increasingly seek economic opportunities, recognizing and protecting cultural heritage has become more crucial than ever. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has developed strategies to safeguard both heritage and the environment. Agritourism plays a key role in reconnecting people to their roots by integrating agriculture, culture, and sustainable tourism.
A central element of this movement is the establishment of farmers' guest houses, which serve as transformative spaces within rural communities. These guesthouses, often converted farm dwellings, offer tourists an immersive cultural experience while providing farmers with an additional income stream. By promoting agritourism, these guesthouses encourage the preservation of traditional agricultural methods and sustainable practices. The FAO supports this by advocating for sustainable rural development, biodiversity conservation, and cultural preservation through agritourism.
The objective of this research is to combine agritourism with FAO's sustainable development goals to create a balance between cultural heritage, economic growth, and ecological sustainability. Revitalizing farmers' guest houses strengthens rural communities, allowing them to share their traditions and knowledge with visitors, while fostering sustainable production and building practices. This approach underscores the importance of preserving cultural diversity and promoting a sustainable future.
Research Achievements
学術雑誌等 / Research Papers
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国際会議（口頭発表・査読無）/ International Conference
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国内学会・シンポジウム（口頭発表・査読無）/ National Conference
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