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Social Farming: From Multifunctional Agriculture to a New Community Welfare...
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Social Farming: From Multifunctional Agriculture to a New Community Welfare Note

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Social Ecology and Sustainability".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2024) | Viewed by 11841

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Gianfranco Romanazzi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, 60131 Ancona, Italy
Interests: chitosan; essential oils; gray mold; postharvest decay; seedborne pathogens
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Carla Moretti

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Economic and Social Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, 60131 Ancona, Italy
Interests: community welfare; social farming
Prof. Dr. Saverio Senni

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
Interests: multifunctional agriculture and rural development

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Social farming is becoming increasingly popular due to the diversification opportunities that it can provide to the agricultural sector, and the interactions with social (actors) that support social inclusion of vulnerable persons. In the welfare system, social agriculture has a bridging function between agricultural, social, health, labor, training, and justice policies, in a gradual and complex process of building territorial networks. The implementation of forms of partnerships (e.g., public, private, and third sector) allows social capital and natural resources to be enhanced, which favors new methods of subsidiary relationships between citizens, local administrations, and third-sector and informal parties, with the goal of an inclusive community. Although this increase in social farming meets our changing society’s needs, it is complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic and social farming frictions and difficulties, due to the need to integrate different views, skills, and policies. This Special Issue will cover topics related to social inclusion through agriculture of various categories of people with specific needs (e.g., children, the elderly, and people with mental disorders, disabilities, and addictions) and will present cases of success and opportunities for improved interactions in the field of education, social inclusion, farm diversification, community welfare, and local development.

Prof. Dr. Gianfranco Romanazzi
Prof. Dr. Carla Moretti
Prof. Dr. Saverio Senni
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • social farming
  • social agriculture
  • multifunctional agriculture
  • sustainability
  • community welfare

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 3420 KiB  
Article
Factors Influencing Human Attitudes towards Wolves in Northwest Spain
by Andrea Janeiro-Otero, Paula Rivas, Carolina Acuña-Alonso, Natalia de la Torre-Rodriguez, Ana Novo and Xana Álvarez
Sustainability 2023, 15(2), 1582; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15021582 - 13 Jan 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1554
Abstract
Surveys have been used to study the current perception towards wolves by different stakeholders such as ranchers, landowners, hunters, experts in the field, and employees of the environmental administration in the provinces of Pontevedra and A Coruña, in the northwest of Spain. The [...] Read more.
Surveys have been used to study the current perception towards wolves by different stakeholders such as ranchers, landowners, hunters, experts in the field, and employees of the environmental administration in the provinces of Pontevedra and A Coruña, in the northwest of Spain. The main objective of this study is the evaluation and further discussion of the compensation offered to affected people for damages caused by wolf attacks and whether such compensations represent an improvement in the degree of tolerance towards these animals. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found among the different sectors interviewed, with the hunters being the least tolerant sector, followed by ranchers. The number of attacks in the area was proven to influence their perspective toward wolves and the need for preventive measures. There was unanimity among hunters, ranchers, and locals, who do not consider the tools provided by the Galician administration sufficient to palliate the damages produced by wolves. However, 53.8% of ranchers, the group whose livelihood will most likely be affected by wolf attacks, and 60% of the wolf experts believe that compensation does not help to reduce tolerance towards wolves. Losing an animal makes people more likely to agree to the use of lethal and non-lethal methods. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Farming: From Multifunctional Agriculture to a New Community Welfare Note)
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17 pages, 629 KiB  
Article
The Development of Sustainable Social Farming in Italy: A Case Studies Analysis
by Roberta Moruzzo, Giulia Granai, Caterina De Benedictis, Morgana Galardi, Vincenzina Colosimo, Jacopo Sforzi and Francesco Di Iacovo
Sustainability 2022, 14(22), 14878; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142214878 - 10 Nov 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1988
Abstract
Social Farming (SF) is a rising practice that offers various typologies of initiatives involving different actors. Peculiarities consist of the types of networks organized at the territorial level and in the innovation processes they implement. In this study, through a cross-case analysis, we [...] Read more.
Social Farming (SF) is a rising practice that offers various typologies of initiatives involving different actors. Peculiarities consist of the types of networks organized at the territorial level and in the innovation processes they implement. In this study, through a cross-case analysis, we take into account six Italian social farms as case studies, interviewing them to understand the activities provided and their organization with the aim of highlighting both the strengths and the criticalities that may limit possible further development of Social Farming in Italy. The results of the analysis pointed out the specificities of the services offered by the social farms and the points of view of the farmers in the sector. Reflecting on these cases in light of the innovation system theory, it was possible to understand both the innovation system in which they developed and the enabling and the limiting aspects for Social Farming initiatives, as well as to codify useful lessons regarding the future organization of sustainable Social Farming services. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Farming: From Multifunctional Agriculture to a New Community Welfare Note)
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20 pages, 1800 KiB  
Article
A Leap of Faith: Regenerative Agriculture as a Contested Worldview Rather Than as a Practice Change Issue
by Camille Page and Bradd Witt
Sustainability 2022, 14(22), 14803; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142214803 - 10 Nov 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2957
Abstract
Regenerative agriculture (RA) is emerging as one alternative model for agricultural production. However, RA has not matured sufficiently for a clear definition to have emerged, or for claimed benefits to be rigorously tested. Thus, numerous competing discourses have emerged around what RA is, [...] Read more.
Regenerative agriculture (RA) is emerging as one alternative model for agricultural production. However, RA has not matured sufficiently for a clear definition to have emerged, or for claimed benefits to be rigorously tested. Thus, numerous competing discourses have emerged around what RA is, and its potential role in the future of farming, leading to a level of contention about is value. This research aimed to better understand RA as a social phenomenon by using Q methodology to explore and evaluate how common discourses around agricultural sustainability, the goals of farming, and RA resonated with different Australian beef farmers. Three perspectives emerged from the data, labelled as the regenerative, environmentally conscious, and productive perspectives and represented diverse views around the goals of agriculture, the role of RA in the future of Australian agriculture, and comfort level producers have with the term and approach to farming it represents. As RA continues to grow as a movement, worldview, and farming approach, understanding the differences in thinking and worldview of proponents will be important for better understanding the goals of RA, how to reach them and measure their impact, and improve communication around RA. This is important to avoid and resolve unnecessary or destructive tensions between the range of agricultural sustainability discourses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Farming: From Multifunctional Agriculture to a New Community Welfare Note)
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12 pages, 267 KiB  
Article
Challenges and Perspectives of Social Farming in North-Eastern Italy: The Farmers’ View
by Morgana Galardi, Lorena Filugelli, Roberta Moruzzo, Francesco Riccioli, Franco Mutinelli, Salomon Espinosa Diaz and Laura Contalbrigo
Sustainability 2022, 14(14), 8390; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14148390 - 8 Jul 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1821
Abstract
In the European framework of multifunctional agriculture, Social Farming (SF) has constantly been spreading. In Italy, these practices are legally connected to Animal Assisted Interventions (AAI), creating new perspectives and challenges for farmers and their territories. In this paper, we report the results [...] Read more.
In the European framework of multifunctional agriculture, Social Farming (SF) has constantly been spreading. In Italy, these practices are legally connected to Animal Assisted Interventions (AAI), creating new perspectives and challenges for farmers and their territories. In this paper, we report the results of a pilot study conducted in the Veneto Region to understand farmers’ opinions about the opportunities and challenges of SF and AAI. Participants were convened by the Italian farmers’ trade organization Coldiretti. All of them provide social/healthcare services on their farms, including human–animal interaction, and have attended the regional training courses for Social Farming providers. Data were collected during two focus groups that were videotaped and subsequently analyzed by two researchers to categorize and dope out relevant topics. Results show a mismatch between what is stated by national and regional laws and the current situation reported by farmers. They are faced with many economic challenges as well as barriers in their relationship with traditional healthcare services. However, farmers have a strong motivation and believe in the benefits that AAI and SF offer to society in rural and urban areas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Farming: From Multifunctional Agriculture to a New Community Welfare Note)

Review

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14 pages, 246 KiB  
Review
Higher Education Institutions in Italy and Europe Offering Education and Training Programs in Social Agriculture
by Sarah Mojela Makau, Saverio Senni, Carla Moretti and Gianfranco Romanazzi
Sustainability 2024, 16(7), 2893; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16072893 - 30 Mar 2024
Viewed by 1099
Abstract
Over the past few decades, social agriculture, a component of multifunctional agriculture, has grown in popularity due to its numerous benefits for a variety of people, including those with learning and intellectual disabilities. A survey was conducted to assess social agricultural courses or [...] Read more.
Over the past few decades, social agriculture, a component of multifunctional agriculture, has grown in popularity due to its numerous benefits for a variety of people, including those with learning and intellectual disabilities. A survey was conducted to assess social agricultural courses or modules offered by tertiary institutions. The study found that Italy and The Netherlands have the highest number of education and training programs that offer a full curriculum and/or individual social agriculture courses. In Norway, continuing and further education courses are frequently used to teach social agriculture. The Czech Republic, Austria, Germany, and the United Kingdom also have prominent social agriculture degree programs. The findings of this survey reveal a disconnect between the agricultural and therapeutic aspects of social agriculture educational programs. Most programs have well-tailored agriculture modules, while others have excellent therapeutic modules to the detriment of the other. Thus, social agriculture programs that focus on all aspects must be developed. Additionally, accreditation bodies are also needed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Farming: From Multifunctional Agriculture to a New Community Welfare Note)
16 pages, 894 KiB  
Review
Scaling Up Pro-Poor Agrobiodiversity Interventions as a Development Option
by Agnès Bernis-Fonteneau, Rima Alcadi, Marco Frangella and Devra I. Jarvis
Sustainability 2023, 15(13), 10526; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151310526 - 4 Jul 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1526
Abstract
Pro-poor interventions that use agrobiodiversity for development actions are widely considered relevant only at small scales. Agrobiodiversity interventions are often left out of national-level/large-scale development planning. Scaling-up modalities include adaptation, diffusion, replication, value addition, and temporal scaling up. We undertook a review of [...] Read more.
Pro-poor interventions that use agrobiodiversity for development actions are widely considered relevant only at small scales. Agrobiodiversity interventions are often left out of national-level/large-scale development planning. Scaling-up modalities include adaptation, diffusion, replication, value addition, and temporal scaling up. We undertook a review of 119 interventions that use agrobiodiversity for both the crop and the livestock sector. The interventions ranged from improving the availability of materials and information through management and market-oriented actions to changing norms and enabling policies. The interventions are also organized in accordance with farming-community goals and constraints. The open-access multilingual Diversity Assessment Tool for Agrobiodiversity and Resilience (DATAR) was created as a framework to systemize and structure agrobiodiversity interventions under different scaling-up modalities for the on-the-ground field assessment and scaling-up of agrobiodiversity interventions. The use of the framework enabled the scaling up of small-scale interventions that use agrobiodiversity to have impact on agricultural development at larger spatial and temporal scales. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Farming: From Multifunctional Agriculture to a New Community Welfare Note)
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