Dynamics of Environmental Conservation Agriculture (ECA) Utilization among Fujioka Farmers in Japan with High Biodiversity Conservation Awareness but Low ECA Interest

Abstract

Japan aims to be carbon-neutral by 2050 by targeting various sectors including agriculture. One of the main strategies in this sector to mitigate climate change effects is environmental conservation agriculture (ECA); however, ECA utilization remains low in most of Japan’s prefectures to this date. To address this problem and to know what factors influence ECA adoption, we collected data from Fujioka city, Gunma prefecture, which has low ECA utilization but has high biodiversity conservation efforts. Using factor analysis and binary logistic regression, two major themes emerged by which ECA continuation can be increased, namely: farmers’ intent to improve their local/global environment and to enhance their production. The study highlighted the importance of ECA information dissemination as evidenced by the presence of a knowledge gap on how ECA translates into climate change advocacies. The promotion of farmer–consumer market channels and extension of ECA products in local industries by government and non-government institutions are also recommended to strengthen rural–urban linkages in the area. Increasing the ECA uptake of farmers would also have a positive impact on the ongoing preservation of endangered yaritanago fish species in Fujioka. Lastly, the results from this study highlight the heterogeneity of factors that affect any given farming community with respect to the strategies that can effectively drive ECA adoption.

Farmer Perspectives on the Economic, Environmental, and Social Sustainability of Environmental Conservation Agriculture (ECA) in Namobuddha Municipality, Kavre, Nepal

“…This could potentially lead to farmers losing confidence in sustainable farming practices and reduce their willingness to adopt ECA. This further highlights the importance of knowledge dissemination among farmers to teach them ECA's climate variability mitigation capabilities, as was also recommended in earlier studies [6,25].…”

“…Indeed, several studies have already emphasized that farm income can increase farmers' adoption of agricultural technologies [23,24]; therefore, ECA practices should not lead to financial losses or negatively impact farmers' income. For instance, in the study conducted by among ECA farmers in Fujioka, Japan, they reported that making profit is among the top priorities of farmers, aside from making positive contributions to environmental conservation [6]. The paper also emphasized the importance of balancing environmental conservation and profitability to ensure the sustainability of a farming method.…”

“…In addition to climate change, ensuring the sustainability of environmentally friendly farming methods is crucial for the long-term viability of agriculture in Nepal [5]. Recognizing the importance of addressing these challenges, the adoption of environmental conservation agriculture (ECA) practices has gained traction globally [6,7]. ECA encompasses a diverse range of strategies and technologies that aim to enhance agricultural productivity, increase resilience to climate change, and mitigate its adverse effects.…”

Farmers’ resilience to climate change through the circular economy and sustainable agriculture: a review from developed and developing countries

“…Limiting the use of pesticides or chemical substances will benefit the environment, according to participants with high concerns about biodiversity and ecological resources (Maharjan, Gonzalvo and Aala, 2022a). In another study, Maharjan, Gonzalvo and Aala (2022b) found that ECA has allowed Japanese farmers to earn higher profits by direct selling to consumers.…”

“…ECA allows farmers to improve environmental resources and biodiversity (Maharjan, Gonzalvo and Aala, 2022a). In addition, farmers will likely receive higher profits if they incorporate direct selling to consumers (farmers-to-consumers) in their agribusiness (Maharjan, Gonzalvo and Aala, 2022b).…”