Development of Community Businesses Centered on Land-Use Agriculture in Hilly and Mountainous Areas

In promoting agriculture in hilly and mountainous areas, community businesses that aim to solve regional issues using business methods are expected to create and expand opportunities for start-ups and employment in the region. This study examined the characteristics of management development, regional network building, and life history of rural leaders based on a case study of Iinan-cho, Shimane Prefecture, which is developing a diversified community business based on land-use agriculture in a hilly and mountainous area where the “hollowing out of people, farmland, and villages” is accelerating. The results of this study revealed three main points: