Profiling the perceived resilience of young farmers in Japanese agriculture

Abstract

The importance of younger farmers is increasing as Japan's agricultural sector faces a declining labor force. This study assessed young farmers' perceptions and resilience in response to agricultural changes and risks, using four criteria: robustness, adaptability, transformability, and cooperativeness. Farmers were categorized into two resilience profiles: high and low. High-resilience farmers displayed strong agricultural training, mathematical skills, and a positive approach to future challenges, managing farm functions efficiently. Conversely, the low-resilience group had limited training, lower mathematical abilities, and struggled with challenges, expressing concerns about economic issues and uncertainty. Recommendations for strengthening resilience include enhancing agricultural education, promoting rural life, and fostering innovative farming. These insights offer valuable guidance for policymakers aiming to build a resilient, sustainable agricultural sector in Japan.