Japan case study

Abstract

This chapter presents three collective action policies in Japan. The first two case studies are based in Shiga Prefecture; one seeks to preserve biodiversity associated with agriculture and the second to recycle water drained from agriculture. The third case study examines measures to conserve and improve land, water and the environment. The first payments are made to farmers who agree to increase the water level of drainage canals so that fish can swim up to paddy fields. The second policy aims to recycle drainage water from agriculture by means of contracts with irrigation districts, each representing a large number of farmers, to re-use drained water. The third policy is the most extensive agri-environmental policy in Japan to preserve agricultural resources and the environment. It works by enlisting hamlet-based local action groups to manage drainage facilities. Following a brief description of the case studies, the agrienvironmental public goods provided by collective action and the factors affecting outcomes in collective action are discussed, and a comparative analysis is undertaken.