Quelle est la santé financière des exploitations agricoles wallonnes pratiquant une activité de diversification ? Cas des gîtes et chambres d'hôtes

Abstract

The agricultural sector is subject to economic uncertainties and must continually adapt. In order to guarantee an income, farmers must find solutions. Diversification is an option chosen by many of them. Because of unused farm buildings and a very touristic region, some farmers choose agritourism. The aim of this thesis is to understand farmers who are involved in the gites and/or Bed and Breakfasts. The aim is to gain a better understanding of the economic aspect of agricultural diversification in the field of agritourism and the different impacts it can have on the turnover and results of farms. The literature focuses primarily on the determinants that drive farmers to diversify but not on the economic impact. Therefore, the first theoretical part provides a better understanding of agricultural diversification and agritourism. This part has also allowed to compare the different opinions of the authors and to build relevant hypotheses. This methodology provided a solid basis for the qualitative surveys carried out with diversified Walloon farmers. First, semi-directive interviews were conducted with 20 farmers. This survey allows a comparison with the literature. The second survey is the study of a real case of para-agricultural diversification where the results of the farm and of the gîte will be investigated. Analyses show that motivations, determinants and social contact do not seem to be exactly the same for diversified Walloon farmers as in the literature. The findings also show that Walloon farms are currently financially stable. This has not always been the case. Diversification provides them with financial support in the event of a crisis. Moreover, agritourism allows them to enhance the value of their buildings and to invest in the long term. However, it should be noted that this contribution cannot save a farm that is not financially strong.