Study of Local “Civic Farming” Group Cultivating Community in Metropolitan Suburbs

Abstract

This study clarifies, with comprehensive points of view, how “civic farmers” are organized and make actions in their local community. The groups are not only farming lovers clubs but rather social entities. In promoting “civic agriculture” within Japanese rural context, they need to be positively acknowledged as an association of the village where their farmland is located. At the same time, it is necessary to encourage proper coordination among overall civic groups participating in the countryside development.