The master's thesis focuses on the condition and development of social welfare services as part of supplementary activities on Slovenian farms. Although social protection function of farms has a long history, such activities in rural development policy are recognized as a newer form of non-agricultural activities that contribute to the multifunctional nature of agriculture.
By comparing the condition of social welfare services and reviewing examples of good practices from various European countries, we tried to evaluate development condition of services in Slovenia and to explain the reasons for the poor representation in the Slovenian rural areas. With a series of interviews, we checked the interest of farmers as potential providers and wider public a potential user. We also asked them, which are, in their opinion, positive and negative aspects of social welfare services on farms. With design and analysis of the qualitative profiles of the five selected farms, we tried to determine their suitability for carrying out social welfare services. We searched for key people and stakeholders as well as potential partners that create supportive environment. We also emphasized the importance of social welfare services on farms as an important step towards deinstitutionalization.
According to previous mentioned, we developed two scenarios in which we made key proposals and recommendations for starting social welfare services on farms. One follows the existing legislation, while the other assumes that the legislative framework of supplementary activities on the farms will be updated and thus allow more activities within the framework of social welfare services.
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