We develop interdisciplinary research on various topics related to agriculture in Japan and worldwide. We are currently conducting the following projects:
Assistant Director of the Center; Section Head KINUGASA Tomoko
Current Projects
I. The Revitalization of Japanese Agriculture and Rural Districts Under the Influence of Globalization
In Japan, globalization has been progressing and an aging population has presented serious challenges. In this project, we research how Japanese agriculture and rural areas can be revitalized and aim to recommend policies and lead social implementation activities. Specifically, we examine determinants of agricultural productivity and efficiency, sixth industrialization and abandoned farmland and environmental and social values of farmland and rural agricultural communities. We examine these areas theoretically and empirically from the perspectives of economics, business administration, and agronomics.
II. Role of Contract Farming in Agricultural Innovation
Though innovation is key to the development of any cluster, collective action is necessary for innovation. In this context, innovation is defined not only as widespread adoption of new products and production methods but also as implementation of improved management practices and marketing. This includes contract farming, which brings about new products and production methods. Clusters are important because they facilitate the spread of innovations throughout associations of agricultural producers. To promote collective action by farmers and agro-processors, it is advisable to form associations and cooperatives, which provide members training in innovations. These views were presented to the Planning Commission of Pakistan, which had invited Prof. Keijiro Otsuka for consultation.