Abstract
This paper focuses on social farming, a new “branch” which includes activities that make use of agricultural, rural and natural resources in order to produce food and social services. It investigates the case of Calabria, one of the least developed regions in Italy and in Europe, which suffers from several serious problems; for example, the low level of accessibility, and the presence of the Mafia organisations. We wondered whether in such a region social farming can make a significant contribution to its social and economic development. Using the data collected by means of a qualitative investigation of some of the most important Calabrian social farms, we studied their characteristics, their strategies, their social mission, and their role in the local socio-economic context. We found that most of them are successful, in both economic and social terms, and their role in the local community is positive. Moreover, they are making a valuable contribution to the cultural change required to overcome the predominance of the Mafia.
Highlights
Social farming is a recent and rapidly evolving phenomenon that has spread considerably in the most developed areas of the European continent
This paper focuses on social farming, a new “branch” which includes activities that make use of agricultural, rural and natural resources in order to produce food and social services
It investigates the case of Calabria, one of the least developed regions in Italy and in Europe, which suffers from several serious problems; for example, the low level of accessibility, and the presence of the Mafia organisations
Summary
Social farming is a recent and rapidly evolving phenomenon that has spread considerably in the most developed areas of the European continent. As Di Iacovo et al [11] argue, social farming covers a plurality of organisational and activity models, which involve agricultural enterprises and social cooperatives, but often wider networks, with associations, public services, and the local community Such a new logic, such a new approach to agriculture, can definitely serve as a basis for an alternative model of economic development and society, in particular for the most disadvantaged areas, which are still struggling to define and find their own path and their own identity [12,13]. We draw some conclusions and the lessons learnt from this case study
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
