[pp.99_110]
Yohei KATANO* (*Faculty of Agriculture, Tottori University)
Abstract:
This study aims to explain the forest management of non-resident forest owners in depopulated areas by conjunctional factors using qualitative comparative analysis (QCA). Data from interviews with 20 non-resident owners of forests in the depopulated areas of Japan were analyzed using a QCA and additional testing. This study found that many regional ties with people in depopulated areas, close-distance residence, and strong feelings toward the region can induce forestry management behavior among non-resident owners of small-scale forests (1 ha or less). However, it was found that large plots of forest (over 1 ha), even with distant residence and few regional ties with people in the depopulated area, can prompt the same behavior. The results contribute to the research in several ways. First, the QCA clarified that multiple factors may affect forestry management. Second, this study once again confirmed the importance of social factors in forestry policy research.
Key Word:
forest management, depopulated area, non-resident owners, qualitative comparative analysis