Community-Based Food Tourism, Value Chain and Sustainable Livelihood: A Conceptual Analysis

Community-based tourism (CBT) and food tourism are becoming increasingly relevant within the broader tourism sector. Food is a fundamental component of the tourism industry, while community-based tourism (CBT) has the potential to contribute to the alleviation of poverty and the advancement of community development. A novel concept has been proposed, namely community-based food tourism (CBFT), which represents a synthesis of community-based tourism (CBT) and food tourism. The Value Chain Approach (VCA) and the Sustainable Livelihood Framework (SLA) are considered in relation to matters of poverty and community development. The objective of this conceptual paper is to present a model that integrates CBFT, VCA and SLA in order to facilitate and enhance the development of CBT/CBFT. This model has been developed with the intention of facilitating the growth and enhancement of CBT/CBFT. It is proposed that CBFT should operate within an appropriate regulatory framework and be embedded within SLF. Facilitators can be crucial components of this model, provided that they remain within the scope of their designated roles. The objective of this paper is to contribute to the existing literature on CBT and to encourage further studies that may improve or debate this novel model.