주말농원 참여자의 현황 및 재배작목 다양화에 대한 요구도 분석

Analysis of the Degree in Demand for Diverse Cultivation Species by Current Status of Allotment Garden Participants

There is a need to develop diverse cultivation species with reference to the favorites and farming experiences of allotment garden participants, in addition to the crops being cultivated in the gardens. In this study, therefore, a survey on the status of cultivation and the demand for herb crops for the garden participants was conducted. Current trend of the programmes related to allotment garden for city dwellers, executed by various relevant organizations was analyzed. A questionnaire was accomplished by adult participants experiencing farming in allotments. Likewise, interview with farm proprietors was conducted. The results showed that the number of crop species cultivated in allotments was about ten species. The purchase of seeds and nursery plants was mainly dependent on the farmland proprietors. The selection of the crops was made by both wife and husband. The status of herb utilization indicated that 5.7% of participants were cultivating or had cultivated herb plants. Sixty-two percent of participants were not cultivating herb plants because they did not know how. The purposes of using herbs were for medicine and beauty (22.0%), for spices (22.0%) and for enjoyment (29.0%). Thirty-four percent (34.0%) of participants were interested or would like to use the herbs in the future for medicine and beauty, 39.0% for spices and 31.7% for enjoyment. It is expected that the demand for herbs would increase. Also, 78.3% of participants had the intension or had taken into consideration to cultivate the herb plants, if the farmland proprietors would provide the plants. And, they had interest in planting, management and post harvest utilization and if a reference material would be provided as well. An approach to plant new crops might be possible to those who have more than four years of farming experience and possess relatively high level of cultivation techniques. In conclusion, the favorable crop cultivation strategy corresponding to the participants' abilities; and rental process were essential for the sustainable operation of allotment gardens and expanded number of participants. Moreover, there is a need to pay attention to the city dwellers who have a lot of farming experiences in allotment gardens to maintain agriculture and rural community. This is so, because they are interested in agriculture and rural community and most of them replied that they had intentions to move to rural areas in the future.