Social Entrepreneurship in Rural Areas: Opportunities for the Development of Care Farms

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the research was to find the advantages and disadvantages of running care farms, one of the forms of entrepreneurship in rural areas that drive social innovation. Methods: The study’s analyses consisted of secondary research and a qualitative approach. The target group reached were people interested in or already running care farms in Poland (n = 17). The research was conducted between December 2022 and March 2023. Results: The findings reveal the observed advantages and disadvantages of care farms as reported by those overseeing these centers. Operators of such facilities emphasize the importance of their centers being part of a network of similar entities. Conclusions: The most important conclusions were the need for further regulation to help social farming actors stay in business through networking, better marketing and advertising of social farming operators that support the local community, creating jobs, and improving the quality of life of those in need.