THE ROLE OF AGROTOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN REDUCING POVERTY IN RURAL REGIONS

Abstract

Abstract. This article examines agrotourism (rural tourism) as an instrument of pro-poor economic policy in rural regions. Drawing on the pro-poor tourism (PPT) framework and recent empirical evidence, the study analyses the channels through which agrotourism raises household incomes, diversifies rural livelihoods and reduces multidimensional poverty. Methodologically, the paper combines a systematic review of the academic and institutional literature with secondary statistical analysis of tourism and poverty indicators, including data from Uzbekistan and a quantitative case study from the Todgha Oasis (Morocco). The results, summarised in two analytical tables and two figures, show that agrotourism generates direct, indirect and induced income effects, expands female and youth employment, and retains tourist expenditure within local economies through short value chains. The article concludes that agrotourism is most effective as a complement to — not a substitute for — agriculture, and that its poverty-reducing potential is conditional on infrastructure, access to finance and entrepreneurial capacity building.