Impact Evaluation of Measures to Conserve and Improve Land, Water and the Environment Using Propensity Score Matching Method

A Case Study of Hokkaido Prefecture

Abstract

The impact of measures implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries on rural communities to conserve and improve land, water, and the environment is evaluated, using the difference-in-differences method with propensity score matching. The results indicate that support for community activities positively influences vitalization of village assembly and management of common-pool resources. However, the support does not have immediate effects; the activity items for management of common-pool resources increase progressively.