抄録
The tea industry in hilly and mountainous areas is facing a crisis due to aging populations, labor shortages, and unfavorable production conditions, such as small, steep, and dispersed plantations. The aim of this study was to clarify the management realities of tea farms in Gokase Town, Miyazaki Prefecture, a major center for Kamairi-cha (roasted green tea), and identify specific issues in the industry’s maintenance and development. Despite severe environmental conditions, this area is inhabited by medium-to-large-scale farmers (500–1,490 a), whose cooperation with small farms is vital for regional survival. In this study, a multi-method approach was used by focusing on the critical challenges of securing labor and improving work efficiency in steep-slope environments: a comprehensive survey of all 29 local farms, detailed interviews with six selected farms regarding capital and plucking methods, and work-process time measurements. Furthermore, insights from the local government and JA personnel were integrated to analyze current strategies and emerging problems. In this study, these findings were synthesized to propose developmental directions and countermeasures to sustain and revitalize teaproduction in hilly and mountainous areas.
