Identifying factors for the occurrence of abandoned cultivated land: Utilizing panel data analysis
2016
Hirako, S. (Meijo University (Japan). Faculty of Agriculture)
The purpose of this study was to clarify factors for the occurrence of abandoned cultivated land in Gifu prefecture, focusing on rural community. This study utilized panel data analysis. The model was estimated using the abandoned cultivated land ratio as a dependent variable and some indexes of agricultural structure and land using as independent variables (for example, number of farmers, bearer, paddy field ratio, and farmland liquidation). The results are summarized as follows : (1) The ratio of 'non-commercial farm' (self-sufficient farm) was statistically significant, and the parameter was positive. (2) The ratio of the farm household's elderly in rural community was statistically significant, and the parameter was positive for a few regions. Previous studies suggest that the higher the ratio of the farm household's elderly in rural communities, the higher is the ratio of abandoned cultivated land because of weakening of the farm labor force. However, the estimated results are not consistent with those of previous studies. (3) According to the results of other indexes, the situation varies with region. (4) In rural communities in which farmland liquidation is increasing, the abandoned cultivated land proportion is decreasing. However, further studies are required for the application of these findings to other samples or periods.
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