2016 Fiscal Year Annual Research Report
商業作物拡大による食糧安全保障、暮らし、森林への影響に関する研究
| Project/Area Number |
15F15765
|
|---|
| Research Institution | The University of Tokyo |
|---|
Principal Investigator |
Gasparatos Alex 東京大学, サステイナビリティ学連携研究機構, 准教授 (20726369)
|
|---|
| Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha) |
CHINANGWA LINDA 東京大学, サステイナビリティ学連携研究機構, 外国人特別研究員
|
|---|
| Project Period (FY) |
2015-10-09 – 2018-03-31
|
| Keywords | Industrial crops / WTP / forest management / PES |
|---|
| Outline of Annual Research Achievements |
In the year 2016, the fellow worked on data analysis and development of research paper for publication. The data was drawn from the stakeholder interviews conducted in Malawi from the 20th February to the 9th March, 2016. Hence study and paper (which is under review with the Journal of sustainability science) aim at exploring the potential for implementing Payment for Ecosystem Services by drawing from the perceptions of key stakeholders at the interface of tobacco/sugarcane production and forest conservation in Malawi. The major findings presented in the paper indicate relatively high support among private companies for such incentive-based initiatives and the proposal to introduction of PES schemes as corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects or a credit-based form (e.g. as conditionality to credit for farm inputs or eligibility to contract) seems to be the most appropriate for effective involvement of the private sector. However, based on findings, further research on developing suitable scenarios for implementation, based on existing socio-economic and ecological drivers in Malawi has been recommended.
The fellow also conducted a household survey in September 2016 to collect data aimed at assessing farmers’ willingness to participate in a Payment for Ecosystem Services scheme. The data is under analysis, and the major findings indicate farmers’ willingness to participate in a PES scheme. Additionally, in FY2016, the fellow participated and presented at a number of international conferences and symposium, both in and outside Japan.
|
| Current Status of Research Progress |
Current Status of Research Progress
2: Research has progressed on the whole more than it was originally planned.
Reason
She has fulfilled the planned activities and output as outlined in the work plan and budget for FY2016. These are 1) literature review of studies in industrial crops to enable her have a thorough understanding of the subject matter and to identify existing knowledge and gaps in the subject; 2) development research tools including a household questionnaire; 3) conducted household survey in Malawi to collect data assessing industrial crop farmers’ willingness to participate in Payment for Ecosystem services and forest conservation; and 4) data synthesis from the stakeholder interviews and household interviews. The fellow has also co-authored (with her supervisor and host researcher) and submitted a paper to the Journal of Sustainable Science. Additionally, she has also participated and presented international conferences and symposiums, both within and outside Japan. The fellow has also contributed to lecture sessions for the Masters students, both at United Nations University and University of Tokyo by sharing her knowledge and experiences in research development and design, as well as the global concepts and theories regarding implementation of a Payment for Ecosystem Services Programs. Additionally, she is contributing in a book chapter aimed at making the case for Industrial Crops research in Africa and also a review paper highlighting the food security impacts of industrial crops in sub-Saharan Africa.
|
| Strategy for Future Research Activity |
Following the household survey in Malawi, she is currently synthesizing data and drafting an academic paper to be submitted to a peer-reviewed Journal for publication. The paper will focus on farmer’s land use choices with regards to industrial crops, food crops and forest conservation. Furthermore, the paper will explore industrial crop farmers’ willingness to participate in forest conservation and their perception with regards to use of Payment for Ecosystem services as a tool for motivating communities to conserve forest resources.
The fellow also plans to conduct feedback with stakeholders and communities that participated in the research, and those in policy implementation office. This aims at disseminating research results to the implementors, so that the research has impact on the ground. The fellow will also participate (attend and present) in an international conference to exchange knowledge in the field of industrial crops and forest ecosystem services. Her participation in such a workshop will enhance her skills and network, and also allow her to share my research interests and findings with the wider international community and stakeholders in industrial crops.
|
Research Products
(4 results)
