Agro-activities by urban residents on the farmlands of urban promotion area

Abstract

This study aims to identify characteristics of new agro-activities emerging in urban fringe areas practiced by urban residents. Six innovative practices conducted in Kokubunji-city, Tokyo, have been taken as the case studies. By interviewing 43 participants in the six practices, the followings were identified. (a) By comparing the six practices with recreational gardening and with professional farming the six have been identified to maintain intermediate characteristics between the two, while collaborations between urban residents and farmers were identified as the inherent characteristic. (b) By conducting statistical analyses the six practices were categorized into three groups, and (c) The key underlying motivation of urban residents to practice agro-activities was identified as to maintain their substantial contribution to the society.