Work

Wage Determinant Factors for Farm-Support Paid Volunteers: Emerging Co-Creating Rural Tourism Addressing Labour Shortage in Rural Japan

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Volunteer tourism has garnered growing attention across fields, allowing tourists to both consume and co-produce tourism services. In agriculture, however, this remains underexplored, despite a worsening farm labour shortage due to ageing populations and a lack of successors, particularly in industrialized nations. This issue threatens farm productivity and food security. This paper addresses this research gap by examining paid volunteer tourism platforms in Japan. It presents a framework highlighting the co-creation of local tourism demand and analyzes wage determinants across 138 farms. Results show that corporate farms engaged in direct sales offer higher wages, especially when prices are elevated or locations are remote, suggesting wage premiums reflect labour shortages. Accommodation and Wi-Fi provision depend on farm finances and unused facilities. Organic and GAP-certified farms offer lower wages due to higher production costs, despite producing valueadded goods. As it meets the needs of both farmers and volunteers, its prevalence is expected to increase.

Source: Agriculture

DOI: 10.3390/agriculture16040467

Authors: Takaya Hirayama, Yasuo Ohe

Institution: Tokyo University of Agriculture

Language: English

Topic: Tourism, Volunteerism, and Development

Subfield: Demography

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Decent work and economic growth, No poverty, Zero hunger, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137