Characteristics of Urban-Rural Exchange Activities in Paddy Field Agriculture: Issues and Challenges of Farmland Management in Rural Communities

This study investigated the status of urban-rural exchange activities in paddy field-based green tourism (GT) and discussed the possibility of developing this type of GT in rural communities in less favored areas. Interviews with implementors of the urban-rural exchange activities revealed two main results. First, GT activities help improve the quality of agricultural products and production processes, contribute to the conservation of regional culture, and aid in the construction of social relationships with rice dealers and consumers. Second, the aging population in rural areas limits cooperation for GT activities in rural communities. Some challenges are decentralizing GT events and involving the younger players who can help with the activities.