Improving Rural Livelihoods with Forest Resources
Project Title
The Role of Forest Resources to Support Improved Sustainable Livelihoods in Rural Communities
Project Description
Forest management traditionally focuses on conserving the environment, optimizing timber production and supporting recreation. Today, it also includes tourism and entrepreneurial uses that sustain local livelihoods and stimulate economic development.
College of Natural Resources researchers studied how natural and rural resource–based tourism, such as agritourism, could support sustainable livelihoods through micro-entrepreneurship. They examined how community planning, policy and partnerships supported these efforts.
The project aimed to improve understanding of how individuals interacted with natural resources to support their land and community livelihoods, while exploring ways to use forested lands to revitalize rural economies and enhance well-being.
Principal Investigators
Collaborators
- Local chambers of commerce, supporting evaluation of visitor experiences at events and festivals
- 25 North Carolina county Tourism Development Authorities, funding nature- and farm-based tourism through local occupancy taxes
Outcomes
- Training for North Carolina conservation, environmental education, tourism and Extension staff on agritourism and nature-based tourism’s impact on food purchasing, children’s agricultural literacy and the economic role of tourism and recreation
- Mentorship of 80 nature- and farm-based tourism micro-entrepreneurs in North Carolina
- Support provided to 25 North Carolina counties for local agencies, tourism entrepreneurs and landowners
- 20,000 video views educating the public about visiting working lands
A McIntire-Stennis supported project
About McIntire-Stennis
The McIntire-Stennis program, a unique federal-state partnership, cultivates and delivers forestry and natural resource innovations for a better future. By advancing research and education that increases the understanding of emerging challenges and fosters the development of relevant solutions, the program has ensured healthy, resilient forests and communities and an exceptional natural resources workforce since 1962.