Development of Comprehensive Assessment Method for Japanese Ingenious “Agri-Cultural” Systems

While focusing attention on the resilience expected of the agricultural system, the research will attempt to define the unique agricultural systems of Japan. To this end, assessments made of the characteristics of agricultural systems as well as regional case studies will be referenced based on precedent studies about the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) carried out by organizations such as the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and other studies conducted in China and Korea. The following research will also be conducted.

1. The development of assessment frameworks
Objects for assessment, assessing bodies, its procedures and assessment periods will be developed based on special classifications so that a unique agricultural system can maintain resilience.

2. The development of assessment criteria
Guidelines for resilience, regional independence, and the comprehensive growth of “sixth sector” industry will supplement standards set by the FAO for the recognition of a system as a GIAHS (in terms of its agricultural productivity, biodiversity, passing on of traditional knowledge and techniques, culture and landscape).

3. The development of assessment methods Quantitative assessment, qualitative assessment, weighting, comprehensive assessment, etc. will be developed.

Period:

2012 - 2014

Partners:

United Nations University

Funding:

Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

People:

Kazuhiko Takeuchi*, Makoto Yokohari, Yasushi Tadami