Drivers and Barriers towards Social Farming: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Social farming (SF) spread across Europe in recent decades. It represents an expression of agriculture diversification and performs a social function expressed through vulnerable individuals’ social inclusion. As a result, SF is able to generate positive externalities and thus contribute to social wellbeing. Despite benefits, SF faces several issues related to its dissemination. Although in recent years scholars have been approaching this topic, much remains to be researched. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate, through a systematic review, drivers and barriers related to the spread of this phenomenon. Results showed that factors such as the lack of information on SF, farmers’ mental limitations and the lack of economic resources, as well as excessive bureaucratization, could hamper the spread of SF. On the other hand, ethical production, new income sources, sustainable rural development and new employment opportunities can encourage the dissemination of such practices. In order to overcome the barriers and emphasize the drivers pointed out by this study, the role of policymakers is essential, as they should promote information and training activities for farmers and consumers in order to increase awareness of SF social value and encourage a collective approach to SF practices.

The Evaluation of Social Farming through Social Return on Investment: A Review

“…In fact, SROI was designed and developed in the UK [49], and this finding is consistent with other studies on SROI in other areas [16,50]. The distribution over the years 2013-2021 is also consistent with reviews in the literature on applications of this methodology [16,46,50,51]. Nowadays, the multifunctionality of agriculture is assuming an increasingly important role, especially in view of the new Agenda 2030 goals [6,40], and the interest in the role these practices play in creating social value is growing [2,39,52].…”

“…The PRISMA approach was used [45] to describe the results obtained in this systematic review on the use of SROI to evaluate projects in social farming. The review choice relies on this method, as a systematic review characterized by transparent paper selection process reduces the effects of researcher bias and improves the rigor and completeness of the analysis [46].…”

Higher Education Institutions in Italy and Europe Offering Education and Training Programs in Social Agriculture

“…Training courses must cover the difficulties that vulnerable people encounter, offering guidance on inclusive behaviors, therapeutic approaches, and efficient communication techniques. Hence, targeted training and education programs that equip them with the skills needed for meaningful engagement in agricultural activities are important [10]. This includes, for example, understanding the cognitive and emotional needs of individuals with intellectual disabilities, tailoring interventions for those with learning disabilities, and employing effective strategies for youth facing behavioral challenges.…”

Strategic Directions: Evaluation of Village Development Strategies in the Case of Applicants for the Hungarian Village Renewal Award

“…However, the geographical location of the settlement (deprived area or urbanisation) and the land ownership structure played a decisive role in the changes. Development opportunities are determined by political heritage, but also by the weakening of the role of agriculture in the economy [1], urbanisation [2,3], the backwardness or rapid development of certain areas [4], and sustainability in agriculture [5][6][7], which define research directions. In addition, the European Union's agricultural [8,9] and rural development [10] directives, which already include complex development aspects [11], set out development opportunities.…”