Abstract
Sado Island in the Niigata prefecture is among the first Globally Important Agriculture Heritage Systems (GIAHSs) in Japan and among developed countries worldwide. Recent studies have pointed out the need to incorporate culture and farmer opinions to further strengthen GIAHS inclusivity in rural farming. In connection to this, this study explored whether farmer visibility, which is highlighted by GIAHS designation, actually translates to farmers’ actual perceptions of GIAHS involvement. A survey was conducted among Sado Island farmers to determine their knowledge and perception of their GIAHS involvement, in connection to their perspectives on youth involvement, Sado Island branding, and tourism management. Results showed that 56.3% of Sado Island farmers feel uninvolved or unsure towards the GIAHS, which is in stark contrast with the prevalent farming method in the area, special farming (which complies with GIAHS regulations) (77.3%). Further analyses revealed that farmers who feel that the GIAHS does not promote youth involvement, Sado Island branding, and tourism management have a higher predisposition to perceive themselves as uninvolved towards the GIAHS. This study highlights the need for careful reevaluation and integration of farmer insights and needs into the current GIAHS implementation in Sado Island and in other GIAHSs as well.
Highlights
In 2002, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) first launched the Globally Important Agriculture Heritage System (GIAHS) Program during the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg, South Africa
Results from the survey in this study have shown a higher incidence of reduced farmer involvement in the GIAHS
While it is one of the direct goals of GIAHS designation to promote awareness and visibility for the farmers working in these sites, results from this study do not support the notion of a direct relationship between farmer visibility and farmer involvement as previously hypothesized
Summary
In 2002, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) first launched the Globally Important Agriculture Heritage System (GIAHS) Program during the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg, South Africa. This is part of the Global Partnership Initiative which aims to tackle issues such as sustainable development, agriculture, and traditional farming practices [1]. Since 2005, the FAO has designated 62 systems in 22 countries and is currently reviewing 15 proposals from eight new countries These selected sites worldwide provide food and livelihood security for millions of small-scale farmers, as well as sustainably produced goods and services.
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