NEWS
2025.09.02
【Report】The 4th AJI International Workshop on “Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development in the Era of Climate Change: Asian Perspective” was held!
On Tuesday, July 22, 2025 Asia-Japan Research Institute (AJI), Ritsumeikan University, Japan, organized the 4th AJI International Workshop online. The workshop's theme was “Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development in the Era of Climate Change: Asian Perspectives.”
This workshop aims to foster international communication and the exchange of scientific findings among researchers focused on sustainable agriculture and rural development. The focus is particularly on Southeast Asia, a region facing extreme weather events and food insecurity due to climate change. Here is a link to the event poster: Event Poster (PDF)
Professor Yasushi Kosugi, Director of the Asia-Japan Research Institute at Ritsumeikan University, delivered the opening remarks. He welcomed six young scholars from Vietnam, Japan, Thailand, and Indonesia. The workshop showcased research achievements and expert opinions on promoting sustainable agriculture and rural development from an Asian perspective. Professor Kosugi emphasized the importance of expanding international collaborations between Ritsumeikan and universities and institutions throughout Southeast Asia.
Professor Yasushi Kosugi delivering his welcome speech
First, Dr. Hoang Ha Anh, Lecturer from Faculty of Economics, Nong Lam University – Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam presented his research on "Dynamic Balance between Shrimp Farming Development and Mangrove Conservation in Ca Mau Province". Dr. Anh explained how the rapid expansion of shrimp farming in Ca Mau Province since the early 2000s has converted mangrove forests into aquaculture ponds, leading to deforestation and degraded mangrove ecosystems. He described a system dynamics model developed to evaluate the interactions and temporal changes among various economic, social, and environmental factors.
Dr. Hoang Ha Anh delivering his presentation
Next, Dr. Orawan Srisompun, Assistant Professor from the Faculty of Technology at Mahasarakham University, Thailand, presented her research on "Assessing Factors Influencing Farmers' Adoption of Organic Cassava Cultivation Practices in Tha Khan Tho District, Kalasin Province." She examined the economic and institutional factors that influence farmers' adoption of organic cassava cultivation in this region. Dr. Srisompun recommended that financial support—such as subsidies or low-interest loans—combined with improved market infrastructure and price guarantees would help farmers both transition to and sustain organic practices.
Dr. Orawan Srisompun presenting her research
Dr. Mohammad Rondhi, Professor and Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Jember, Indonesia, presented his research on "The Role of Extension Workers in Sustainable Agriculture Implementation in Indonesia." He focuses on how Agricultural Extension Officers (AEOs) implement sustainable agriculture at the farm level. This research was conducted with extension workers in Jember regency, East Java Province, Indonesia. Mixed methods were applied to generalize findings about sustainable agriculture implementation while also examining in detail the conditions behind its implementation.
Prof. Mohammad Rondhi making his presentation
Dr. Tran Nhat Lam Duyen, Lecturer and Chair of the Economics Department at the Faculty of Management and Creative Economics, VNU School of Interdisciplinary Studies, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, presented her research on "Tourism, Agriculture, and Sustainability: Case Studies from Binh Son and Trang An, Vietnam." She conducted a comparative analysis of two distinct sites—the Trang An Landscape Complex in Ninh Binh Province and Binh Son District in Quang Ngai Province—to examine integrated tourism-agriculture models within local heritage systems, environmental resilience, and community participation. The research employed a mixed-methods approach that included SWOT analysis, Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling, and a place-oriented Hedonic Pricing Model to evaluate land-use dynamics, stakeholder behaviors, and the socio-environmental outcomes of tourism-agriculture interactions.
Dr. Tran Nhat Lam Duyen delivering her presentation
Ms. Tran Thi Huong, a PhD Candidate from VNU School of Interdisciplinary Studies at Vietnam National University in Hanoi, delivered a presentation on "Evaluating Readiness for Participation in High-integrity Forest Carbon Markets in Son La Province, Vietnam." Her comprehensive evaluation provides a scientific foundation to guide policymakers and stakeholders in enhancing readiness for future participation in the High-Integrity Forest Carbon Market (HIFCM), while fostering sustainable forest management and economic opportunities.
Ms. Tran Thi Huong presenting her research
Finally, Dr. Ho Thanh Tam, Assistant Professor from College of International Relations, Ritsumeikan University, Japan, presented the findings of a study on “Environmentally Friendly Agriculture: Economic and Environmental Performance of Rice Farming in Long An Province, Vietnam.” Dr. Tam discussed how Environmentally Friendly Agriculture (EFA) affects both economic and environmental performance of rice farming using both field surveys and field experiments and revealed important insights into how specific EFA techniques influence various soil quality parameters and crop yields over time.
Dr. Ho Thanh Tam making his presentation
In the closing remarks of the 4th AIJ International Workshop, Professor Koji Shimada from Ritsumeikan University's College of Economics facilitated a comprehensive exchange among the presenters about their research findings, methodological approaches, and potential areas for future collaborations. He emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing agricultural sustainability issues. Professor Shimada encouraged continued research partnerships and policy recommendations. The session concluded with thanks to all speakers and participants, along with hopes for future collaborative endeavors.
Professor Koji Shimada delivering the closing remarks
All participants at the workshop
We extend our deepest gratitude to the AJI organizers, the exceptional speakers, and all participants who contributed to our international workshop and made it a success.