Effect and Problems of an Upland Irrigation Project on the Farming Patterns of Agricultural Settlements

— A Case Study of Nansatsu District in Kagoshima —

Abstract

The effect and problems of an upland irrigation project on the farming patterns of settlements were investigated based on the questionnaire surveys and agricultural census data in the Nansatsu district. The farming patterns, which are categorized as three main crops of vegetables, manufacturing sweet potatoes and tea, are significantly affected by the natural conditions such as the terrains or the type of soils. The crops of vegetables and tea having high effect of the project have been preferred year by year, while the crops of the potatoes having low effect still continue to exist because of traditional crops in this district.