淡路島三原平野における農業生産をめぐるネットワーク

抄録

　　　This study reveals interactions between agricultural production and actor’s relations in Kamihata settlements in Minami-Awaji City, Mihara Plain. Farm management in farm households is examined to determine whether farm activities, such as lending equipment, supplying compost, and establishing delivery routines develop the relationships among farmers or between farmers and other stakeholders, while identifying the kind of relationships formed. Moreover, the contribution of multi-layered network formed through relations between and among such stakeholders is considered.
　　　The research method adopts social network analysis. This approach allows a quantitative stand in analyzing human relations based on the presence or strength of ties between nodes, the distance between such nodes, and the node parameters. Economic activity and social life are inseparable in rural areas and villages, and ties among farm households are characterized by various roles existing in a multilayered structure. This study focuses on the extent and width of social ties among certain nodes.
　　　Results show that in Mihara Plain, the “ three crop” rotation system―a combination of paddy rice, onions,and cabbages or paddy rice, lettuce, or Chinese cabbages―has been widely promoted. The study area practiced intensive farming. The production of leafy vegetables served as an economic activity that could augment the income of farm households. Farm management, as practiced by every farmer household, progressed within the range of social groups such as settlements and districts, and did not become completely independent albeit done individually. Various territorial relations became a conforming frame, as seen in the sharing of equipment and supplying of compost. The network was selectively formed according to the purpose. In addition to the abovementioned relations, networks based on the delivery of crops was observed. These networks extended in various ways, according to every farmer household's management policy, and had various influences on every farmer's management practices.