| Budget Amount *help |
¥1,500,000 (Direct Cost: ¥1,500,000)
Fiscal Year 1996: ¥500,000 (Direct Cost: ¥500,000)
Fiscal Year 1995: ¥1,000,000 (Direct Cost: ¥1,000,000)
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| Research Abstract |
In Japan, the number of those taking over the family business of farming has decreased drastically these days. What conditions are necessary for young people to become a farmer and to farm with a highly motivation? I think that young farmers' group is significant for them. So I investigate the formation and development of the young farmers' groups in Kubiki district, Niigata pref.and Shonai district, Yamagata pref.I tried intensive interviews with the members of the groups to approach this theme.
The main findings is as follows : when young people convinced themself of making a choice of farming as their occupation, and when they came to grips with farming, their relationship with other young farmers in the same generetion has a great deal of significance. Young farmers' groups formed naturally in a village at one time. But part-time farming has grown rapidly and they form an overwhelming majority today. So we have to support making young farmers' groups intentionally.
In the case of "Ibukinokai" in Kakizaki town, Niigata pref., the group has continued for almost twenty years. Young farmers in Kakizaki were supported and encouraged by taking part in the group. Because the group has adapted itself to changing farming conditions and young farmers' needs of each stage. In Shonai district, young farmers' groups were active from 1950's. Although their activity has weakened in 1970's and 1980's under the impact of developing part-time farming, a new young farmers' group "Maimai-club" started in 1995 by a few, but active members.
Some problems remain unsolved in this research project. Especially the relationship between the members of the young farmers' groups and their households, and their relationship with the village they live. I'm going to investigate these problems next time.
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