This study investigates the effects of social networks on land productivity of oil palm smallholders, using the case of Riau Province in Indonesia, where oil palm cultivation is the most prevalent. We interpret land productivity as a proxy for farmers’ cultivation proficiency and apply quantile regression to capture the heterogeneity in farmers’ cultivation knowledge and experience by the distribution of the dependent variable, land productivity. Our results reveal that the effect of social networks on increasing land productivity is greater for farmers with lower land productivity and smaller for those with higher land productivity. This suggests that farmers with low cultivation proficiency, and consequently low productivity, are more likely to perceive information obtained through social networks as novel and useful to them, leading to higher productivity gains. Conversely, farmers with initially high cultivation proficiency are more likely to find the obtained information already known to them, making it difficult to achieve further productivity improvements. These findings support our hypothesis that farmers with lower cultivation proficiency and productivity are more likely to benefit from social networks.

This study investigates urban Chinese consumers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for “biodiversity-friendly labeled rice,” produced using farming methods that emphasize ecosystem conservation, such as reducing the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers. The results reveal that the median WTP for such rice ranges from 74 to 78 Chinese yuan per 5kg—about 30% higher than the average market price of 56 yuan, indicating strong consumer interest in environmentally friendly products. In particular, consumers with biodiversity knowledge and households with children exhibited higher WTP. Additionally, the study highlights the high recognition of “integrated rice-fish farming” in China, which receives even higher WTP (87 yuan) due to its perceived economic benefits despite raising environmental concerns. By comparing these two farming methods, this research explores the potential for promoting “biodiversity-friendly labeled rice” as a sustainable alternative that balances ecological preservation and consumer demand.

This study empirically evaluated the satisfaction levels of 58 registrants with geographical indication (GI) products in Japan. An interview survey was conducted on two GI cases, followed by an online questionnaire survey to examine the satisfaction levels and the factors affecting the overall satisfaction among GI product registrants. Satisfaction levels were estimated using the extended ordered probit model that accounted for the endogeneity of revenue satisfaction. The results showed that positive influences arose not only from economic factors such as revenue satisfaction, but also from contextual factors such as products in the Kanto area, year of registration, and utilization of mass media. Furthermore, findings from the interview survey revealed that participation in GI fairs, inter-industry collaboration, and direct marketing to consumers were effective in raising overall satisfaction.

This study aimed to identify the “ladders for leaders in irrigation pond management organizations” and to provide recommendations for developing the next generation of leaders through this process and via the role of their supporting organizations. Specifically, the study examined what knowledge and behaviors were important to leaders and how they acquired them. In this study, interviews were conducted with leaders in the Higashi-Harima region of Hyogo Prefecture. The results revealed that current leaders prioritize interpersonal coordination and organizational management skills over irrigation pond management techniques. Furthermore, these skills are largely derived from their experiences outside the region. This indicates that farmers with little local experience can become potential leaders if an appropriate ladder is established. This presupposes a small but significant regional experience; to maintain these ladders, it is necessary to create and strengthen intermittent opportunities for knowledge sharing within the region.

This study analyzes management perceptions, needs, and support for market expansion among brand-certified agricultural product processors in the Chutan region of Kyoto Prefecture, Japan. Although brand-certified businesses enhance their competitiveness through improved quality and trust, many still face challenges in expanding sales channels and marketing due to limited resources. A questionnaire survey was conducted in 2024 with 24 certified local food processors to examine their business awareness, sales strategies, and attitudes toward technology adoption. The results reveal that the respondents—local processors who have obtained brand certification—expressed a strong sense of pride in their certified products and contribution to the regional community, but also indicated the underutilization of digital marketing and online sales. The study emphasizes the need for adopting digital technology, community collaboration, and educational programs to support sustainable growth and market differentiation.

Farmers in semi-arable semi-pastoral regions of Inner Mongolia, who traditionally practiced mixed crop-livestock farming, are increasingly specializing in either the crop or livestock sector. This study examines the relationship between specialization and agricultural income, using data from 207 households collected through a farm management survey conducted in a village in Tongliao City. Our regression analyses showed a U-shaped relationship between the weight of the livestock sector in mixed crop-livestock management and agricultural income. A similar relationship was observed between the weight of the livestock sector and agricultural income per working hour. These findings suggest that the agricultural structure in the study area depends not just on farm size but also on the specialization of mixed crop-livestock farming.

This study clarifies the changes in management characteristics of Community-Based Farming Corporations (CBFCs) due to population decline and village aging. To establish a food supply base when rural population declines, the government has promoted the accumulation of farmland to “bearers” such as CBFCs. Since 2010, the Hiroshima Prefecture has prioritized the establishment of CBFCs. More than ten years have passed since the program started, and problems have arisen in the sustainable management of CBFCs owing to the declining and aging population in the villages. This study conducts interviews with CBFCs in Hiroshima Prefecture. This study has two main findings. First, CBFCs began hiring employees for sustainable operations and changed their management structures. Second, decision-making was shared between managers and employees.