In recent years, Costa Rican farmers have been shifting from conventional to sustainable methods of farming. However, conversion comes with high startup costs, low initial return on investment, and lack of consumer attention. We worked with the Costa Rican Ministry of Agriculture & Livestock to develop an agro-ecotourism route in Copey de Dota. The goal of this route is to raise awareness of sustainable farm practices and increase revenue for farmers. We toured farms and interviewed farmers to determine characteristics of an appealing visitor farm. We interviewed tourist agencies and assessed community offerings to determine potential tourist interest. By identifying ideal tourist amenities, and assessing farms, we offered recommendations for route development and community promotion.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Fatal, Janine Inacio
• Letourneau, Jeffrey Raymond
• McMahon, Michael James
• Danaher, Philip Jared

Subject

• Industry
• Sustainability
• Culture
• Food

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-050216-161616

Keyword

• Sustainability
• Farm management
• Ecotourism

Advisor

• Belz, Melissa
• Rosbach, Derren

Year

• 2016

Center

• San Jose, Costa Rica Project Center - IQP

Sponsor

• Segura, Mauricio
• Costa Rican Ministry of Agriculture & Livestock

Date created

• 2016-05-02

Location

• San José

Resource type

• Interactive Qualifying Project

Rights statement

• In Copyright