PROJECT REPORT | Research part
Solving the problem of
a declining agricultural population
with student ideas
In the courses "Introduction to On-site Research I & II," which are offered during 2nd and 3rd semesters, students work in groups to come up with research themes and methods, and then cooperate to conduct surveys and research. In the "Ibaraki Northern Area Project," international and Japanese students worked together to solve issues related to agriculture.
Ibaraki City, Osaka Prefecture, where Ritsumeikan University’s Osaka Ibaraki Campus is located has also nature-rich areas surrounded by mountains and fields. The Izuhara area, in the northern part of Ibaraki City is one of them. Agriculture has long flourished in the area, but in recent years the area has faced various problems, such as a declining farming population due to the ageing of the population and damage caused by wild animals. In the “Ibaraki Northern Area Project,” a team of six people, mainly international students, conducted research and surveys in the area over a period of one year. Through exchanges with local farmers, the governmental officials and citizens, as well as through fieldwork such as farming experiences, the team investigated the issues surrounding agriculture in the region and explored what could be done to solve them.
April: Literature reviewSurvey of the situation
in the Izuhara area based on data
In April, the project began with a literature review. In addition to understanding Japan's aging and declining workforce and its historical background, students researched the demographics and depopulation of Ibaraki City, as well as the population of people engaged in agriculture. The results revealed that 63% of those currently engaged in agriculture in Ibaraki City are over the age of 65, indicating that the agricultural workforce is steadily aging. The aging of the population in the Izuhara area was particularly serious, even within Ibaraki City. In addition, we found that there are issues with the labor force, which is essential for the continuation of agriculture. Data from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries revealed that approximately 60% of Ibaraki City's farmers have no successors.
Izuhara District Population Trends (2012-2018)
May-August: FieldworkExperiencing agriculture and coming into direct contact with issues
From May to August, project members and two senior students supporting the research made numerous trips to the Izuhara area to conduct fieldwork. Students participated in an agricultural experience project for citizens conducted by Ibaraki City. They plowed the fields, harvested potatoes and garlic, and gained hands-on farming experience. They also interacted with local farmers and Ibaraki City officials, and conducted interviews about various issues facing farmers in the Izuhara area. They also visited Ibaraki City Hall and exchanged opinions with city officials.
When I actually experienced farming, I was surprised to find that it was more hard work than I had imagined. Farming in the hot summer sun was especially hard work (laughs). I was surprised that people over 65 years old are doing such hard work, and at the same time, I felt grateful for the local food that I usually eat.
SASAGAWA Yoshie
(from Malaysia)
This was the first time I had talked to local Japanese people other than my university friends and teachers. At first, I thought that the farmers would react negatively to students entering their agricultural field, but in fact, I was pleasantly surprised to find that they were all friendly and welcomed us kindly.
LU Zijing
(from China)
Interest of Ritsumeikan University students (OIC) in agriculture
September: Additional researchExchange of opinions with city officials
In September, we also interviewed Ibaraki citizens who visited "Miyama no Sato," where locally grown vegetables and specialty products are sold. In the course of these interviews, issues identified in the preliminary literature review, such as the aging of farmers and the lack of young farmers, emerged as a reality.
I had a hard time interviewing local farmers in Japanese. I was only able to understand about 50% of what was said in the field. I asked a fellow Japanese student to interpret for me, recorded the interview, and later re-listened to the recorder to understand the content.
QIAO Yuqi
(from China)
We also had many opportunities to talk with Ibaraki City officials. At first, we thought we would find them distant, but they were very helpful and listened to us kindly, making us feel closer to them.
KIKUCHI Yume
(from Japan)
I had never been to the northern area of Ibaraki City before, and this was the first time I learned that there was such a rich natural environment in Ibaraki City, where our campus is also located.
KIKUCHI Yume
(from Japan)