How can assessment systems be used to evaluate healthcare activities in the care farms?

Abstract

Purpose – to identify in the literature the main activities of Social Agriculture and elaborate a framework easily readable to manage them.
 Design/Method/Approach –systematic literature review.
 Findings. Formulation of an interpretative framework for evaluation and management of the existing Social Agriculture actions trough a system-describing pattern.
 Theoretical implications. Care farms are the most innovative expressions of the agriculture multifunctional. Through the development of complementary activities related to the production of food, they represent an opportunity to discover the innumerable resources of the rural world. An assessment system of the care farming activities, allows for reaching a clear definition of the services for the citizens.
 Practical implications. Individuals can use Social Agriculture as a way out of job-related stress. Firms, local, and national authorities should evaluate, support, and manage Social Agriculture.
 Originality/Value. This study for the first time concludes that the rural context and agricultural process are the drivers to promote social integration in the communities. Therefore, the meaning of the Social Agriculture assessment systems obtaining a great importance both for the value' increase of the farmer and for the increase of support for social policies in marginal areas.
 Future research. The prospects for further studies are: future research about measures to evaluate Social Agriculture activities; tools to improve the decision-making process about future scenarios of the care processes for the society; improved services to avoid the worsening of population health status and thus, improving the process of defining social policies.
 Paper type – conceptual.

Sustainability Potential of Marginal Areas for Food, Feed, and Non-Food Production in the Puglia Region, Southern Italy: Part II: A Review

“…There is growing evidence that being exposed to nature, whether it is in the countryside, forests, street trees, allotments, or gardens, can have a positive impact on a person's health [115][116][117]. In the last decades, the European Union has been focusing on promoting multifunctional farming practices that combine agriculture with therapy and alternative ways to help people in difficult situations [118]. Several studies [119][120][121][122] have shown that contact with nature can improve psychological health by reducing stress levels, enhancing mood, and providing a restorative environment.…”

“…Social farming is an innovative approach that benefits public health and improves social health status [127]. It has become a popular practice recently, especially for those with behavioral or health issues [118]. The concept of using farms for green care has evolved over time.…”