The Distribution and Characteristics of Fields with Agro-activity in Peri-urban Totyo

摘要

Historically and currently, agricultural and urban land uses in Japan have been separated spatially and subject to different planning systems. Therefore, agricultural land in peri-urban areas has been clearly separated into that where agricultural production is promoted and that where urbanization is promoted. In recent years, however, the amount of abandoned land and fallow agricultural land has increased in both urban and rural areas as a result of agricultural abandonment of and a declining rate of urbanization and shrinking cities. At the same time, fallow agricultural land in peri-urban areas has become a focus of agro-activities by non-farm household urban residents, and in particular by retirees. To rethink the current land-use system which clearly separates urban and agricultural uses, the distribution and characteristics of fields with agro-activity represents an essential knowledge base. This study examines the distribution and characteristics of fields with agro-activity in the peri-urban area of Tokyo. Based on the results, the subject on the present land use in peri-urban area and the possibility of new farmland using system are considered.