ATVENTURE - Agri-tourism incubator for small-scale farmer ventures powered through participatory action research and social entrepreneurship education

The ATVENTURE project aims to establish a university-led incubator in Lynedoch, creating an open innovation ecosystem for sustainable agritourism in the Western Cape. This incubator will serve as a collaborative hub where students, researchers, and small-scale farmers engage in participatory action research (PAR) to integrate farmers into the circular bioeconomy and develop niche market opportunities through agritourism, indigenous culture, and sustainable farming practices. The project will develop an incubator programme connecting small-scale farmers with universities and stakeholders, alongside a site development master plan for shared co-working spaces and experimental facilities. Through interdisciplinary research teams and international innovation camps, the project will enhance student competencies in sustainable development, entrepreneurship, and climate-resilient agriculture, while fostering mutual learning between academia and local farmers. The project will refine PAR methodologies in agriculture, tourism, and business studies, supporting knowledge co-creation between students, researchers, and farmers. It will promote internationalization and transdisciplinarity in higher education by establishing a mobility and training recognition agreement between South African and European universities. ATVENTURE also strengthens collaboration networks at regional and international levels, advancing inclusive education, green transition, and community-driven innovation in line with South Africa’s Bioeconomy Strategy and Higher Education Plan.