The Karoo region of South Africa deserves much attention regarding agri-tourism. But to get to such a point, the responsibility partly lies on farming communities and the farmers in the region. The starting point is marketing the area and continuously investing in accommodation and farming facilities to enrich the visitor’s experience.
Other partners should be the entrepreneurs involved in the meat production, wool, and clothing industries; they should also promote agritourism in this Karoo region. The provincial and local government should also do their part in improving infrastructure that connects these various remote farms and makes them accessible. The municipalities should ensure service delivery and beautify the towns. Increased policing to enhance safety is also an important consideration.
Promoting agritourism not only supports the economy of these small rural towns but also ensures that young people and many South Africans fully appreciate the quality of food, fibre, and beverages their country offers the world. It is essential to highlight that South Africa exported US$13,2 billion of agricultural products in 2023. Still, it is even more critical when we have a deeper appreciation of the location of these productions and ensure that other industries benefit from the prosperity of agriculture, like agritourism.
Importantly, we also offer the world supreme quality products of Karoo lamb, great wines, fruits, beef, etc., which need even more local appreciation. We should also deal with unnecessary tough constraints in export markets to ensure many more in the world can experience the great South African agriculture, foods and beverages.
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