農業・農村の担い手確保からみた都市農村交流活動の役割と意義

農村ワーキングホリデーを事例に

抄録

This study reveals the significance and roles of urban-rural exchange programs on securing farmers and actors of farming areas. It has been shown that emigrants from urban areas might become a farmer and an actor of a farming area, and among all urban-rural exchange programs, working holidays in rural areas give urban residents the highest incentive. This study focuses on the exchange program Working Holiday Iida, because Iida city is an advanced area in urban-rural exchange. The findings indicate that, the roles of working holidays in rural area are first, providing urban dwellers incentives to immigrate to rural areas, second, preparing the base of life for such individuals (job, house and relation with inhabitants), and third, providing guidance through the exchange on management of farm and life after emigration. The research shows that participants in working holiday programs and rural farmers can deepen mutual understanding through exchange programs which provide a view of life in rural areas.