Realities and problems of levee weeding contracts: A case study on Tambasasayama City, Hyogo Prefecture
2020
Kihara, N. (Kobe University (Japan)) | Nakatsuka, M.
Many Japanese farmers are expected to keep paddies and their levees in sound condition, thereby maintaining a healthy rural environment. Costs and labor burdens, however, increasingly hinder the aging farming populations from continuing that arduous work. This paper, therefore, examines problems revolving around weeding contracts made within farming communities in Tambasasayama City. Interviews with all contractors in the area illuminated problems concerning levee management, including unclear instructions as to which levee to weed, and ambiguous responsibilities and costs to be shared among contractors. The paper argues that standardizing weeding tasks and conforming costs is crucial to create mutually supportive relationships in the area.
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