International Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Systems

1. Winnet Matuku ID – Department of Ecotourism, Faculty of Management Sciences, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa.

2. Nsizwazikhona Chili – Department of Ecotourism, Faculty of Management Sciences, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa.

Received
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Accepted
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Published
31-Jul-2026
Abstract
Agritourism has emerged as a significant driver of rural livelihoods, cultural preservation, and sustainable land use across developing and developed regions. This systematic review synthesizes findings from 28 studies published between 2012 and 2024 to explore rural women’s contributions to agritourism, the barriers they encounter, and the support mechanisms that enhance their participation. The analysis reveals that women play vital roles in hosting guests, preparing local cuisines, managing farm-based activities, and integrating environmentally sustainable practices that enrich visitor experiences and strengthen community resilience. Their involvement not only diversifies household income but also reinforces social networks and fosters the growth of small-scale rural enterprises. Despite these contributions, women face persistent challenges including limited access to finance, insecure land rights, restrictive gender norms, and digital divides that constrain business expansion. The review underscores the importance of targeted interventions such as financial inclusion initiatives, entrepreneurship training, and digital skills development to empower women within the agritourism sector. It also highlights a geographical gap in existing literature, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, where further research is needed to examine how institutional support and policy frameworks can more effectively promote women’s leadership and sustainable agritourism development.
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