Conceptual Model of Agro-Ecotourism-Based Corn Cultivation In The Mandalika Buffer Zone: A Systematic Review

Abstract

The development of the Mandalika Special Economic Zone (SEZ) opens opportunities to strengthen the link between tourism and dryland agriculture in surrounding villages. This study aims to formulate a conceptual model for agroecotourism-based corn cultivation that maintains production functions while creating economic value, educational opportunities, and tourist experiences. The research employed a systematic-integrative literature review. Of the 142 records identified, 27 duplicates were removed, 115 records were screened, 65 articles were evaluated at the full-text level, and 30 journal articles were selected through criteria-based screening. Data were analyzed through open coding and axial synthesis across five dimensions: agronomy, ecology, tourism/agroecotourism, socio-economics and institutional aspects, and buffer zone functions. The synthesis yielded five interconnected mechanisms: the production foundation, agroecotourism connectors, socio-institutional levers, socio-economic-ecological outcomes, and adaptive feedback and safeguards. The model identifies crop suitability, soil and water conservation, biosecurity, accessibility, authentic experiences, farmer capacity, collaborative governance, and benefit-sharing as key components. This model provides a conceptual foundation for the design of demonstration plots, agro-trails, planting-and-harvesting experiences, product processing, and empirical testing based on local data.