The Impact of Tourism Development in Betapus Rice Fields on Agricultural Land Sustainability Based on Community Perceptions

Abstract

The development of tourism based on agricultural landscapes has emerged as a strategy for rural economic diversification by utilizing the aesthetic and cultural value of farming activities as tourist attractions. This study aims to analyze the impact of Betapus Rice Field Tourism development on the sustainability of agricultural land based on community perceptions. The research employed a descriptive qualitative approach supported by simple quantitative data. Primary data were collected through open questionnaires distributed to three groups of respondents who interact directly with the tourism area: farmers, sellers, and visitors, using purposive sampling techniques. The results indicate that the development of tourism provides economic benefits for local communities, particularly through increased business opportunities, higher income for sellers, and improved infrastructure that facilitates agricultural product distribution. However, tourism activities also generate several environmental pressures, including increased waste generation, potential contamination of paddy field water, and disturbances to irrigation systems and rice crops. From a social perspective, there has been a transformation in spatial dynamics where rice fields that previously functioned solely as agricultural production spaces have also become recreational areas. Nevertheless, most respondents believe that tourism and agricultural activities can coexist if supported by improved management, particularly in waste management systems, infrastructure planning, and environmental awareness among visitors. Therefore, collaborative management involving multiple stakeholders is essential to ensure the sustainability of agricultural land.