This project is actively working for SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDGs 11 (Sustanable City and Community), organized together with " Tsurugi Minor Grain Production and Sales Association."
Tsurugi Town has been internationally recognized as a World Agricultural Heritage Site for its "Sloping Land Farming System of Nishi Awa." In particular, the Mikitochi settlement is home to many growers and sellers of minor grains — the symbolic crops of the Nishi Awa region — and these grains are actively cultivated throughout the area.
A variety of minor grains are grown here, including kokibi (foxtail millet), takakibi (sorghum), millet, buckwheat, pearl millet, and glutinous millet. However, this mountainous village faces a serious shortage of labor due to its declining and aging population.
One major challenge is the takakibi plant, which can grow taller than 2.5 meters at harvest time, making it especially difficult for elderly residents to harvest on their own.
To help preserve the village and maintain its traditional landscape, the community is seeking support from individuals interested in agriculture - even those with only a little experience — to assist with the cultivation of these traditional minor grains.
İş Tanımı
Assisting with the harvesting of minor grains (kokibi, takakibi, millet, hadaka barley, etc.), a symbolic crop of the region, grown on sloping fields recognised as a World Agricultural Heritage Site as part of the 'Nishi-Awa Sloping Land Farming System'.
Work on other needs in the area of activity.
Konaklama ve Yemek
Volunteers will stay in a guest house. Meals will be cooked by volunteers by turns. Sleeping bag is NO need. Depends on the amount of work and consideration for the environment.
Konum ve Serbest Zaman
Tsurugi Town is located in the north-west of Tokushima Pre., at the foot of the second highest mountain in western Japan, Mt.Tsurugi. The town is surrounded by greenery and waterside space and the clearest river in Japan, the Sadamitsu River, which flows into the Yoshino River. Mikitochi village is one of the settlements operating the World Agricultural Heritage Site 'Nishi-Awa Sloping Land Farming System'.
Other activities: Hiking, communicate with local people, etc.
Notlar
Study theme: About Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems, Inheritance of traditional culture.
Konuşulan Diller
English
En Yakın Terminal
The nearest airport is Kansai (Osaka). To the meeting point, it will take about 5 hours by bus and train from the airport. Volunteers need to arrive at the airport 1day before start program, volunteer can depart from the airport the day after the last day.
