Research Theme: Understanding how remittances contribute to household food security and farming decisions, and the remittance behaviors 

My name is Phyo Thandar Naing from Myanmar. I’m a PhD student at the Graduate School of Innovation and Practice for Smart Society, Hiroshima University, under the Agriculture and Rural Development Lab (ARDL) starting in October 2025. I completed my Master’s degree in Economics at the International University of Japan in 2020, where I developed a strong interest in global development issues and empirical research. 

Prior to my PhD studies, I worked as a Research Analyst at the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) in Yangon, Myanmar, from 2021 to 2025. My work focused on Myanmar's agricultural sector, particularly crop production, land inequality, farm commercialization, and migration and remittances. I was involved in several rounds of nationally representative phone surveys, including the Myanmar Household Welfare Survey, Myanmar Agricultural Performance Survey, and Myanmar Migration Assessment Survey, contributing to data collection, cleaning, analysis, and the drafting of working papers for monthly publications.  

These experiences inspired my current research, which aims to understand how remittances contribute to household food security, farming decisions, and remittance behaviors in Myanmar. At Hiroshima University, I hope to further strengthen my skills and understanding in quantitative analysis and impact evaluation, and I’m looking forward to learning from both the academic environment and the local community in Hiroshima.  

Research Theme: Land for Whom? Exploring Hidden Discrimination in Farmland Leasing to Foreigners in Japan 

Hello! I am Gulkaiyr Saparova from Kyrgyzstan. I am an alumna of the Agricultural and Rural Development Laboratory (ARDL), where I completed my master’s degree as a JDS Fellow at the Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Hiroshima University (2021–2023). My research interests include food and phytosanitary security, farmers’ preferences, and rural development. During my master’s studies, I investigated small-scale farmers’ preferences toward systematization under a hypothetical phytosanitary policy, and findings were published in the Economics and Policy Journal (DOI: 10.1016/j.eap.2023.12.016). 

Currently, I am pursuing my Ph.D. at the Graduate School of Smart Society Practical Science (SmaSo), Hiroshima University, and I am also a Next Generation Fellow. My doctoral research focuses on leasing farmland to foreigners in Japan, with particular attention to hidden discrimination and its implications for agricultural and food security policies. The outcomes of this research aim to provide policy recommendations addressing Japan’s land abandonment, aging rural population, declining youth participation in agriculture, and high dependence on food imports, which pose significant challenges to food security and self-sufficiency.

Research Theme: Impact of Model Household Level Storage Practice, User Training on Post-harvest losses, Producer Price, Income, and Farmers' Preference: Evidence from Onion, Potato Producing Areas in Bangladesh

My name is Masud Rana. I am from Bangladesh. Currently, I am a PhD. Student at the International Economic Development Program, Hiroshima University, under Agriculture and Rural Development Lab (ARDL) funded by APCU-BARC, PARTNER Program, World Bank. I also completed my Master's Course at IDEC under the JDS Scholarship in 2019-2021. I work as Deputy Program Director at the Department of Agricultural Marketing, Ministry of Agriculture. I have extensive experience with development project preparation and implementation with donor agencies for agricultural marketing development.

Research Theme: The Influence of the Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) Programs on Productivity 

My name is SAN Sras, I am from Cambodia. I am pursuing my PhD, under the JDS Scholarship at the Graduate School of Humanities and Social Science in the International Economic Development Program (IEDP). Back in my home country, I worked as a Director of the Research Unit at the General Secretariat of the National Council for Minimum Wage (GNCMW), Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (MLVT).  

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Research Theme: The Role of Digital Remittances in Building Community Resilience and Financial Inclusion in South Asia

My name is Ikram Ullah, I am from Pakistan and am currently enrolled in PhD program at the Graduate School of Innovation and Practice for Smart Society, Hiroshima University. In Pakistan, I serve as a lecturer of Economics at Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences (BUITEMS), Quetta. I am also a MEXT scholar which is a Japanese Government Scholarship. Prior to my PhD, I have worked in research projects related to rural urban migration, microfinance, financial inclusion of Afghan refugees, and social networks in the informal economy of Balochistan. 

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I am a Ph.D. student at SMASO Hiroshima University, where I completed my master's degree. I am a member of Asian Center Studies of Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos (UNMSM) in Peru.

 My research theme in development focuses on two main strands: First, identifying constraints for development in Peru, especially in agriculture and rural areas. Second, reducing those constraints for development via innovative solutions.

Research Theme: The Determinants of Poverty in Lao PDR: Evidence from the Sixth Lao Expenditure and Consumption Survey 2018/2019

Hello! My name is Yangxiong, I’m from Laos, you can call me Yang. I’m a PhD. I’m currently pursuing my PhD at the Graduate School of Innovation and Practice for Smart Society, Hiroshima University. In Laos, I work as a data analyst at the Lao Statistics Bureau, Ministry of Planning and Investment.

Research Theme: Revealing Hidden Behaviors in Forest Conservation and Restoration 

I am a forestry professional from the Ministry of Forestry of Indonesia, currently pursuing a PhD at Graduate School of Innovation and Practice for Smart Society, Hiroshima University under the JICA scholarship program. With a background in forestry science, my expertise focuses particularly on mangrove ecology and conservation.

My current research explores navigating behavior in forest conservation in Indonesia, with a focus on understanding the hidden dynamics behind of community in environmental programs. By applying behavioral insights and experimental methods, I aim to uncover the underlying motivations and barriers that shape community participation in conservation efforts—particularly restoration initiatives.

Research Theme: Community-based Climate Action: Evidence from Climate Villages towards a Circular Economy in Indonesia 

I am a PhD student at the Graduate School of Innovation and Practice for Smart Society (SMASO). I am also a JICA Scholarship awardee under the Knowledge Co-Creation Program (KCCP) on Climate Change Policy. My current research explores climate change mitigation from a waste management perspective, particularly the application of evidence-based policy making.

In Indonesia, I serve at the Deputy of Climate Change and Carbon Governance, Ministry of Environment. I also a member of the Secretariat of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Operational Focal Point (OFP) Indonesia, which coordinates GEF Projects to achieve Multilateral Environment Agreements (MEAs) targets, such as UNFCCC, UNCCD, CBD, and Minamata Convention.

Research Theme: Small Farmers' Resilience to Policy Changes 

I am Nadia Hussain, from Pakistan. I am a development economist with research interests in economic development, agricultural economics, and public policy. I am pursuing a PhD under the International Economic Development Program at Hiroshima University. My work focuses on the impact evaluation of large-scale development programs in Pakistan, where I employ advanced econometric methods and carry out fieldwork to establish causal relationships and generate policy-relevant insights. Before PhD enrollment, my professional experience in the government of Pakistan has provided me with valuable exposure to development planning and policymaking, which complemented my academic research and strengthened my ability to link rigorous empirical analysis with real-world challenges. 

Research Theme: Food safety and quality development in agricultural value chains, with a focus on reducing post-harvest malpractices and promoting sustainable spice production through evidence-based interventions.

I am Samanmalee Amarawansha, a PhD student at the Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences (SMASO), Hiroshima University. I earned a Master of International Cooperation Studies from Hiroshima University, Japan, which broadened my understanding of development policy. In addition, I completed a Master of Crop Science at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, where I also obtained my bachelor’s degree in agriculture, providing a strong foundation in crop production and agronomic research.

Professionally, I serve as Deputy Director (Development) at the Department of Export Agriculture, Sri Lanka, where I lead programs to expand export-oriented spice production, promote quality assurance systems, and empower farmers through knowledge and capacity-building initiatives.

Driven by both academic curiosity and practical field experience, I am passionate about integrating research, policy, and practice to foster inclusive rural development and sustainable agricultural transformation in developing economies.

Research Theme: Climate change adaptation in agriculture

My name is Kazi Khalid Hossain, and I am a Ph.D.  student at the Graduate School of Innovation and Practice for Smart Society at Hiroshima University. Climate change, agricultural economics, and econometric modeling are the focal points of my research. Back home in Bangladesh, I am Assistant Professor at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University in Gopalganj. 

Research Theme: Assessing the role of Climate Smart Technologies in enhancing the resilience of farming communities in the southwestern coastal region of Bangladesh.

I am Dhiman Majumder from Bangladesh. I am pursuing a Master’s degree in International Economic Development at Hiroshima University and am a JDS fellow. In my home country, I work in the Department of Agricultural Extension under the Ministry of Agriculture. According to the Vision and Mission of my Department, my research centers on assessing the role of Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) technologies in enhancing the resilience of farming communities in the southwestern coastal region of Bangladesh—an area highly vulnerable to salinity, flooding, and changing weather patterns. From my research, I want to explore how the adoption of CSA practices can improve livelihoods, strengthen adaptive capacity, and ensure long-term agricultural sustainability amid climate change. My academic and professional interests span climate adaptation policy, community-based innovation, and the integration of technological solutions into smallholder farming systems. Thus, bridge the gap between scientific research and practical implementation by promoting evidence-based strategies that empower farmers to thrive in the face of environmental uncertainty.

Research Theme: Impact of Agricultural Credit Access to Food Security under Climate Change in South Asia 

Hello, I am ASM Nasim from Bangladesh. My research focuses on how farmers’ access to agricultural credit can help improve food security under the growing challenges of climate change in South Asia. Back home, I work at Bangladesh Bank, the central bank of Bangladesh. Through my studies at Hiroshima University, I hope to contribute to policies that strengthen agricultural resilience and promote sustainable agriculture production systems. 

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Research Theme: Analysis of the Role of Agricultural Insurance in Agricultural Production in Nepal   

My name is Chen Yang from China. I am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Social Innovation Science at the Graduate School of Innovation and Practice for Smart Society, Hiroshima University. My current research interest centers on agricultural insurance, with a particular focus on its role in agricultural production in Nepal. It has been a great pleasure to join the Agriculture and Rural Development Lab. I truly enjoy working alongside my lab mates in Room 513. 

Research Theme: The environmental effects of “Organic Fertilizer Replacing Chemical Fertilizer Policy” in China  

My name is SUN HAOYUE. I’m from China, and I am currently a master's student in the International Economic Development Program. I finished my undergraduate studies at South China Normal University in China. During my undergraduate studies, I participated in some rural development projects. After coming to Hiroshima University, I am now studying more specialized quantitative analysis knowledge, which will further lay a solid foundation for my future career in rural research. 

Research Theme: Ocean Management Risks and the Use of Illegal Fishing Among Small-Scale Fishers in Tanzania.

My name is OMARY Athuman Bakar (Tanzanian). I am a JICA Scholar under the African Business Education Initiative for Youth (ABE Initiative Program). I am currently a master's student in the International Economic Development Program (IEDP) at Hiroshima University. I completed my bachelor's degree at Sokoine University of Agriculture (BSc. in Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness). I am deeply motivated to contribute to a sustainable ocean economy that addresses climate change, resource degradation, and food insecurity.  Before coming to Japan, I served as a Monitoring and Evaluation Officer at the Ministry of Blue Economy and Fisheries in Zanzibar, Tanzania.

Research Theme: Impact of Credit Access on Agricultural Input Adoption, Productivity, and Household Food Self-Sufficiency 

My name is Tshering Pem. I am from Bhutan and pursuing a master's under the JDS Scholarship at the Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences in the International Economic Development Program. I previously served as Regulatory and Quarantine Officer at the Bhutan Food and Drug Authority under the Royal Government of Bhutan. 

Research Theme: The Importance of the Village Enlightening Program in Disseminating Information to Promote One Village, One Product, Community Tourism, and Arts. 

My name is Pricilia Fonseca from Timor-Leste, and I am currently a master's student in SIS, SmaSo at Hiroshima University under the JDS Program. I completed my undergraduate degree at the National University of Timor-Leste. I am enjoying my time as a member of the ARDL lab and am excited to explore Japan during my stay. It has been a wonderful experience to engage in research and connect with diverse cultures while discovering all that Japan has to offer.

Research Theme: Parental Labor Migration on Senior High School Enrollment among Left-Behind Children in Rural China

Research Theme: The impact of Authorized Economic Operator Certification on the clearance Time, Volume of products imported and the Cost on the  Importers in Kenya 

My name is Alibashir Ibrahim Abdullahi, I am from Kenya currently pursuing Graduate Studies at Hiroshima University in Japan. I am enrolled in the Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences under the International Economic Development Program (IEDP). I am honored to be a recipient of the JDS  Scholarship, which supports my academic journey in exploring global and local development challenges. Back in Kenya, I work for the National Land Commission.

 My academic interests focus on Digital Transformation and Trade Facilitation, particularly in the context of developing economies. My current research examines the impact of Authorized Economic Operator certification on clearance time, volume of products, and cost on the importers in Kenya. This work aims to provide evidence-based insights that can enhance trade efficiency and support economic growth through digital solutions.

 Through my studies and research, I am committed to contributing to sustainable economic development by supporting policy reforms and innovations that promote inclusive growth and international cooperation.

Research Theme: Evaluating the impact of cassava farming promotion program on households’ welfare: Evidence from smallholder farmers in rural Mozambique