Description:
It is generally assumed that (farm) animals have a positive effect on clients in green care farming, although this hypothesis is hardly founded by scientific evidence. Green care farms have built up some experiential knowledge on the subject, but until now this knowledge is not formalised. Another issue is that offering care has consequences for the management and organisation of the green care farm, especially where it concerns the animal related aspects. This impact is largely obscure as well.
Research objectives:
This project intends to study the value and quality of Animal-assisted Interventions within green-care farming and its consequences for the management and organisation of the green-care farm and its agricultural production. The research will be conducted in an interactive and participatory way.
Results and products:
The results will be presented in some reports, scientific publications, and presentations.
The scientific relevance of this project exists in building up knowledge on the quality and organisation of Animal-assisted Interventions at green care farms. Special attention will be paid to clients needs concerning animal-related care (e.g. children with psychiatric disorders (especially Autism Spectrum Disorders and ADHD)), the organisation of animal-related green care farming, the consequences for animal management (selection, socialization, use, husbandry), agricultural production, and network management.
The knowledge produced will contribute to the further optimization and professionalization of green-care farming,
The market of the project will mainly consist of policymakers, green-care farmers, clients and their families, and health care professionals. |
