2025 Volume 63 Issue 2 Pages 12-17
Japanese agriculture faces a severe labor shortage and an aging population. This study aims to address these challenges by promoting the adoption of data-driven smart agriculture. To achieve this, we conducted descriptive and quantitative analyses using individual-level data from the 2020 Census of Agriculture and Forestry in Chiba Prefecture. Results revealed that only 16% of farmers utilize such data, suggesting the untapped potential of smart agriculture. Moreover, distinct characteristics were observed among farmers who incorporate data into their management practices: group-based management, younger ownership, larger business scale, absence of succession issues, higher female workforce participation, shipping to non-market destinations, and a focus on field crop production. To increase smart agriculture adoption, it is essential to identify key target groups and develop effective data use strategies based on these findings.
