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University Students’ Perception of the Dehesa and the Associated Traditional Trades

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  • Rebeca Guillén-Peñafiel

    (Department of Didactics of Social Sciences, Faculty of Teacher Training, Universidad de Extremadura, 10004 Cáceres, Spain)

  • Ana María Hernández-Carretero

    (Department of Didactics of Social Sciences, Faculty of Teacher Training, Universidad de Extremadura, 10004 Cáceres, Spain)

  • José Manuel Sánchez-Martín

    (Department of Art and Territory Sciences, Faculty of Business, Finance and Tourism, Universidad de Extremadura, 10004 Cáceres, Spain)

Abstract

The dehesas are one of the most emblematic landscapes of the Extremadura region (Spain). Along with its natural values, it preserves a wide repertoire of knowledge and trades rooted in the history and tradition of rural communities. However, the knowledge and practices that have characterized life in this environment are currently under serious threat. Faced with this problem, this study was based on the premise that, for individuals to commit themselves to the care and transmission of heritage, it is first necessary for them to know, understand and value it. For this reason, the main objective was to determine the knowledge and appreciation of university students with respect to the dehesa and the ancestral practice of grazing. It also aimed to analyze which are the most valued methodologies, activities, and future strategies for understanding and preserving these cultural landscapes and their ancestral practices. To this end, 400 university students were surveyed, and various quantitative and qualitative analyses were carried out. Quantitative techniques include analyses based on weighted averages, contingency tables and the chi-square test, while qualitative techniques are based on word frequency analysis and inductive content analysis. Despite coming from an environment dominated by this landscape and being one of the few regions that still preserve the ancestral practice of pastoralism, the results corroborated the students’ lack of understanding of the dehesa and the variety of uses it offers. In addition, it was evident that they have hardly frequented this landscape and have not participated in on-site educational experiences. It also revealed the importance of experiential and sensory activities in the understanding and appreciation of the rural environment and its traditions. The results can be useful for improving the design of educational tourism products based on intangible heritage. It can also be useful for adapting teaching strategies and activities to the level of knowledge and experiences of students, helping to ensure the success of the educational experience.

Suggested Citation

  • Rebeca Guillén-Peñafiel & Ana María Hernández-Carretero & José Manuel Sánchez-Martín, 2024. "University Students’ Perception of the Dehesa and the Associated Traditional Trades," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(9), pages 1-27, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:9:p:3843-:d:1388058
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Feifei Yang & Rajenthyran Ayavoo & Norazlin Ab Aziz, 2023. "Exploring Students’ Push and Pull Motivations to Visit Rural Educational Tourism Sites in China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(20), pages 1-23, October.
    2. Parra-López, Carlos & Sayadi, Samir & Garcia-Garcia, Guillermo & Ben Abdallah, Saker & Carmona-Torres, Carmen, 2023. "Prioritising conservation actions towards the sustainability of the dehesa by integrating the demands of society," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 206(C).
    3. Ante Mandić, 2019. "Nature-based solutions for sustainable tourism development in protected natural areas: a review," Environment Systems and Decisions, Springer, vol. 39(3), pages 249-268, September.
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