Outline of collaborative research
This project pursues four objectives. First, it aims to strengthen collaboration with NLU to advance joint research and enhance the academic capacities of both universities. Second, it seeks to expand partnerships with other Japanese and Southeast Asian institutions, particularly in sustainable agriculture and economic development. Current partners include universities and research centers in Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines. Third, the program focuses on fostering global communication networks that promote scientific exchange and support early-career researchers. Finally, a joint research project on sustainable rice farming in Vietnam is proposed.
Rice cultivation in Vietnam, though vital to food security, is highly input-intensive and contributes significantly to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and soil degradation due to long-term chemical fertilizer use. While national programs promote sustainable practices, widespread adoption of organic fertilizers and soil health measures remains limited. This project addresses these gaps through laboratory and field experiments in Vietnam, analyzing soil quality, GHG emissions, rice yield, and farmer behavior. Using methods such as cost-benefit analysis and difference-in-difference techniques, it assesses the economic and environmental sustainability of sustainable agricultural practices (SAPs). Eight structured work packages ensure systematic research, training, and international collaboration.
Papers, etc.
Peer-reviewed papers
- Ho T. T., Iwase T., Yamashita S., Suzuki M., Yamanaka Y., Shimada K., 2026. Determinants and Benefits of Environmentally Friendly Rice Farming: A Case Study in Long An Province, Vietnam. Social System Studies, No. 52, 1-15.
- Nguyen T.T.H., Ho T.T., Shimada K., Hoang H.A., Le C.T., 2025. Impact of Sustainable Agricultural Practices on Labor Use Among Rice Farmers in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam. Agribusiness, 1-17.
- Srisompun O., Ho T.T., Tran Q.T., Shimada K., 2025. Biocontrol and Natural Extraction Practices in Rice Farming: Adoption Patterns and Impacts in Central Northeastern Thailand. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, Vol. 1490, 012013.
Book
- Towards Sustainable Agriculture of Rice in Asia: Economic Challenges and Policy Implications. Thanh Tam Ho (ed.), Asia-Japan Research Institute, Ritsumeikan University. 2023. ISBN: 978-4-910550-47-3
Symposia, seminars, etc.
International workshop
- The 3rd AJI International Workshop on “Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development in the Era of Climate Change: Asian Perspectives,” September 25, 2024. Online.
Future prospects/aspiration
In the current era of climate change and the global movement toward sustainable development, major rice exporters and producers such as Thailand and Vietnam play increasingly crucial and indispensable roles in ensuring food security for populations across other parts of the world. We are planning to significantly expand our research on low-carbon farming practices and sustainable development strategies across multiple countries in the region. Our future research directions include strengthening and deepening international collaborations and partnerships between Japanese universities and Southeast Asian academic institutions, with particular focus on enhancing rice farming sustainability, addressing climate adaptation in agricultural systems, and tackling the various regional development challenges that face these communities.
