Process of Introducing and Expanding Horticultural Crops into Rice Farming:

A TEA Analysis of Social Capital Influence Pathways

Abstract

Amid the declining demand and price of rice in Japan, the importance of introducing horticultural crops into rice farming is increasing. However, barriers exist in acquiring and accumulating intangible assets necessary for efficient farm management. While previous studies suggest that social capital is related to the acquisition of intangible assets, managerial values, and diversification, the pathways and timing of these effects remain unclear. Therefore, we conducted a qualitative survey on the growth processes of five horticultural crop producers to clarify the impact of social capital on the introduction and expansion of horticultural crops in rice farming. The results reveal two types of processes for introducing and expanding horticultural crops. Our findings indicate that expansion processes were both related and unrelated to diversification. Furthermore, social capital influences the introduction and expansion of horticultural practices in rice farming by facilitating access to management resources and supporting business diversification.