Educational needs of Greek women engaged in agritourism on marketing quality products free of damages due to insect and other causes for their business’ wealth : GIS usage in providing information to extension agents

Abstract

The paper presents findings from a research carried out within the framework of a project cofunded by the European Social Fund and National Resources – EPEAEK II – ARCHIMIDIS and is undertaken by a research team consisted of scholars of ‘Alexandrion’ Technological Educational Institute of Thessaloniki and other Greek Institutions. Target population is the women all over Greece involved in agritourism either running agribusiness as individuals or as members of women cooperatives. The instrument in gaining information was a questionnaire administered to the sample and 199 valid questionnaires were used for data analysis. One main objective of this study was to identify educational needs of the target population for running wealth business offering quality products free of damages due to insect and other causes to visitors. It was attempted to verify statistical differences between groups of the target population such as the women forming private business in agritourism vs. women members of cooperatives in agritourism. Findings, either with traditional statistical ways and/or with the use of Geographic Information System, are presented to the extension and other change agents as well as to authorities engaged in promoting agritourism. Useful recommendations are provided to all interested in training the target population and/or promoting the spirit of agritourism in rural Greece.