The Educational Tourism (Edutourism) Development Through Community Empowerment Based on Local Wisdom and Food Security

Abstract

Rural areas that have food security and local wisdom are the main capital to develop agro-tourism areas that can improve the welfare and independence of the community. The research aim to analyze educational tourism (edutourism) development through community empowerment based on local wisdom and food security. The research used Participatory Learning and Action (PLA) methode, informant were determined purposively consisting of farmers group, business group, management of agrotourism and the village officials. Data were collected by interview, observation, discussion and Participatory Decision Making (PDM). Research sites in Wonoharjo village, Rowokele subdistrict, Kebumen regency and Serang village, Karangreja subdistrict, Purbalingga regency in Central Java of Indonesia. Data analysis used community development analysis. The results showed (1) The Wonoharjo village and Serang village has the potential and advantages as the area of agrotourism based on food security of horticulture and can be used as an edutourism and many tourists visit for educational activities, training, empowerment programs, research, study of the laboratory and college programs. (2) Empowerment program should be make tourism locations for education, training and work practices processing of agricultural, food security, local wisdom, creating caring and nature conservation for all groups ranging from elementary school children to college, private institutions, and social institutions.