The Path to Endogenous Development in Rural Areas: An Analysis Based on the Empowerment Process

DOI IR (HANDLE) Open Access
  • Shengcong CAI
    Laboratory of Food and Agricultural Policies, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Graduate School of Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Sciences, Kyushu University
  • WATANABE Takaaki
    Laboratory of Food and Agricultural Policies, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University
  • ISODA Hiroshi
    Laboratory of Food and Agricultural Policies, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University

Search this article

Description

This study examined the process of endogenous development in rural areas through the lens of empowerment, using a case study of the Ota area in Kitsuki City, Japan. The research revealed a multidimensional empowerment process occurring across four levels: key persons, organization, the rural community, and individual residents (all local residents). The study identified a chain of empowerment, where self–empowerment of key persons promotes the empowerment of resident organization, which in turn facilitates community empowerment, ultimately leading to the empowerment of all local residents. This process is characterized by iterative phases of integration and participation. The research highlights the crucial role of interaction between administrative bodies and local communities in supporting endogenous development. While emphasizing residents’ self–help efforts, the study demonstrates that appropriate administrative support is essential for sustainable rural development. The Ota area case illustrates how combining top–down policy support with bottom-up community–led initiatives can lead to effective local revitalization. While this case provides a potential model for endogenous development in other rural areas, the unique socio–economic background and cultural traditions of each area must be considered. The study contributes to the academic discourse on rural endogenous development in Japan and offers practical insights for formulating and implementing rural revitalization strategies.

Journal

Keywords

Details 詳細情報について

  • CRID
    1390021990403360128
  • NII Book ID
    AA00247166
  • DOI
    10.5109/7340482
  • HANDLE
    2324/7340482
  • ISSN
    00236152
  • Text Lang
    en
  • Article Type
    departmental bulletin paper
  • Data Source
    • JaLC
    • IRDB
    • Crossref

Report a problem

Back to top