Authors:
Chengappa, P.G.
, Mamatha, N.C.
, Manjunatha, A.V
. and Devika, C.M. |
Abstract:
This article examines the socio-economic situation of the homestays operating in coffee farms in
Kodagu district, located in Western Ghats of Karnataka in India, one of the mega hotspot of
biodiversity. Homestay offering ecotourism along with coffee farming have recorded an
impressive growth rate of 25 percent during 2005-15 period in the Kodagu district. A total of 45
homestay operating farmers were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. The result
revealed that in terms of land size holding; nearly two third of homestays were operated by small
coffee farmers (less than 10 ha) as compared to large farmers. In managing homestays, our
results indicated that 54.6 percent of total variable cost is spent on labour followed by
maintenance (42 %). Only, 3.4 percent was incurred on promotion of homestays. The homestay
operating farmers were found to diversify their income, generate employment for locals and
market ecotourism making use of the agro ecological landscapes of Kodagu district. The
outcome of the study points that with proper planning, promotion, and policy support from the
state government, homestays are able to promote sustainable ecotourism and development in the
Western Ghats region. |
