Why Japan is Cultivating a Generation of Female Farmers

Girls farm japan

CURATED BY NIKI DE WITT

Girls Farm, a plot of land 400 km west of Tokyo, serves as a retreat for young women to get out of the city and break the gender roles in the agriculture sector. The Japanese government is even realizing the benefits of having women hold farm titles, and as a result, has recently put 50 billion dollars towards an awareness campaign to help spread the right to land ownership and fair income for female farmers. 

FROM IPS NEWS/GOOD

A small but intrepid group of young women in Japan are moving to the countryside and becoming farmers to escape the high-speed pace of urban life and revitalize the country’s slowing agriculture industry.

The move is both a deliberate step out of the fast lane, and counter to a global trend of rural-urban migration.

“It’s time for a makeover, to save Japanese farms,” 29-year-old Yukako Harada said. “And the only way to do this is to get youth and more women involved in agriculture.”…Continue Reading

Niki De WittABOUT THE CURATOR

Niki is currently exploring Asia while working on a children’s book series about travel. As a child, she traveled and moved often for her parents’ jobs. As a result of this, she has always felt most at home when she’s off and away. She is interested in international films, working on building an impressive tea collection, and can often be found with her camera in hand. You can have a look-see at her blog and follow her on Twitter @nikidding.

Photo via civileats.com

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