Глобальный форум по продовольственной безопасности и питанию (Форум FSN)

Re: Social farming (also called care farming): an innovative approach for promoting women’s economic empowerment, decent rural employment and social inclusion. What works in developing countries?

Dear Moderator,

From my understanding the meaning of 'care farming' is broader than what you define in this discussion.  It also refers to any farming practices for protecting people, resources, economy and cultures in critical condition (otherwise can result irreversible disaster). You limited the phrase in education and socialization of people with special need (elderly people, children and disables) and by external agencies supports. Therefore many participants confused on providing examples in their communities or countries. Based on your definition, the kitchen gardening in primary school can be considered a care farming. The schools provide education, socialization and care to young children. The schools can achieve the services by involving students in the kitchen gardening.  

I would like to present some indigenous practices of care farming in Nepal. 

a.    People living individually (alone) keep pet animals (cat, dog or bird) to reduce loneliness. Some of them do kitchen gardening or other farming to keep them busy. These are examples of self-care farming practices. 

b.   Some people grow vegetables or keep animals (e.g. milking cow or buffalo) to make happy to their elderly parents. The people could provide vegetable and milk from other sources with less cost and effort but the parents would not be that happy as they would be produced in own home. The practice provides mental care of the elderly. 

c.    People establish and care gardening in public places (e.g. temple area and community halls) where elderly people gathers for socialization with neighbors. 

You might be interested to find the cases that help in developing projects. My contribution might not help you that much.  

Thanks

Bhubaneswor Dhakal