The Sustainability of Eco-Agricultural Tourism in the Indigenous People’s Ancestral Domain

A Multiple Case Study

Abstract

Indigenous peoples often face neglect and discrimination when rural tourism and development projects prioritize economic gains over recognizing and respecting their historical ties to ancestral lands. This qualitative multiple case study aims to describe the practices of indigenous peoples on eco-agricultural tourism and their community life as shaped by their experiences. The participants of this study were selected through maximum variation sampling. The practices and community life of the five cases were examined utilizing in-depth interviews and participants’ validation. The gathered data were triangulated in each case by interviewing the tribal members, tribal leaders, and government personnel assigned to the different tribal communities. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze the data, resulting in the identification of five emergent themes that characterize the practices of eco-agricultural tourism. These themes include performing rituals, adapt to changes and innovations, celebrate festivals and tribal days, train the young IPs, and sustaining the intangible cultural heritage. Furthermore, the emergent themes of community life include community empowerment, sustainable development and livelihood, cultural continuity and preservation, and generate income. In relation to the practices of eco-agricultural tourism, it was noted that three of the five cases implemented different practices. However, the cases exhibited a general similarity in terms of their community life within their ancestral domain, which was shaped by their respective practices.