STUDENTS:GAO Xiaoxi

Name of United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences:Tottori University
Assigned university:Shimane university
Specialized field:Agricultural economics / Studies on farmland conservation policy
Research Theme:
• Qualitative understanding of rural resident’s conservation of farmland
• Analysis of the influence of intermediate management organization on farmland liquidation
Obtained (planned) degree/date:Doctor of Philosophy Ph.D. (Agriculture) 　Obtained in September 2023 (scheduled)

The depopulation, aging, and shortage of successors for agricultural cultivators in Japan are becoming more serious. The trend of declining farmland in recent decades has not stopped. The land carries the basic needs of the rural resident, community, and the country. My study aims to analyze the relationship between improved farmland utilization and related factors to prevent the increase of abandoned farmland. Efficient use of land can ensure the safety of food supply and secure the rural area’s sustainable development.

I am in the second year of my doctoral course. During the study, we examined the qualitative characteristics of the substantial community-based master plan, using a text-mining analysis based on free descriptions of master plans in the Sanin region in the Chugoku area in Japan. It is important to know residents’ thoughts and strategies in the rural community based on the free descriptions so that policy responses can be implemented based on the residents’ awareness. In addition, the transfer of farmland (borrowing and lending) impacts the utilization of farmland. In the following study, we will research the relationship between the process of farmland transfer and regional agriculture, the factors that influence regional farmland accumulation will be identified.

I would like to have work in a university or research institute in the future. I hope to find a way to enhance the farmers’ sense of collective activity, and develop the endogenous power of the village, thereby the farmers and the rural areas can develop sustainably.