The Role and Challenges of Women in the Development of Traditional Food Product for Community-Based Tourism Entrepreneurship: Case Study in Lenggong Valley, Perak Darul Ridzuan

The contribution of women to the household economy, local community and national development can no longer be disputed. However, the impact of these contributions and involvement can be varied by locations. This article aims to determine the role and challenges of rural women in the development of traditional food products for heritage tourism in Lenggong Valley, Perak Darul Ridzuan. The development of this food products is under the Kampung Luat Community Kitchen Heritage Project (WDKKL) which is part of a women's project with the community-based tourism enterprises (CBTE). This CBTE was introduced with the aim of increasing the income of the local community following the acquisition of UNESCO World Heritage Site status by Lenggong Valley in 2012. The findings of the study found that among the role of these women’s project in addition to their income generation were preservation of local identity, exploration of historical and cultural values ​​and empowerment of heritage tourism in Lenggong Valley. While the challenges faced include weaknesses in the operation activities, lack of entrepreneurial practices, conventional product marketing methods and capital turnover problems. Undeniably, the development of such traditional food products is an initiative that needs to be stimulated and strengthened so that local heritage tourism can be promoted, and the involvement of women can be expanded. Subsequently, it can increase the contribution of women to their household economy, to the local community and finally to the development of local and national heritage tourism.