• irregular work
• migrant workers
• rural development
• social capital
• social innovations
• SROI
• well-being

Well-being at the Core: The Role of Social Innovation and Social Capital in Agricultural Life

This thesis explores the crucial role of social innovation and social capital in improving the well-being of agricultural communities, with a specific focus on two case studies: Humus Job and Casa Sankara. The main objective is to analyze how well-being, which extends beyond economic factors to include mental and social aspects, can be supported by social innovations and strengthened by social capital.

1. Introduction and Background
The agricultural sector in Europe, particularly in Italy, faces numerous economic, environmental, and social challenges. Agricultural workers, especially migrants, are often exposed to irregular working conditions, which negatively affect their well-being. The thesis starts from the premise that well-being, defined in a multidimensional way, is essential for improving the living and working conditions of these communities. Well-being includes not only physical health but also psychological and social aspects, requiring a safe, fair, and inclusive work environment.

2. The Concept of Well-Being and Social Innovations
The thesis adopts a definition of well-being that encompasses physical, mental, and social dimensions, considering it a positive state that goes beyond the mere absence of disease. In rural and agricultural areas, factors influencing well-being include economic stability, access to health and social services, and overcoming social isolation.

In this context, social innovations emerge as key tools for addressing social challenges, particularly irregular work. Social innovations are defined as new practices aimed at improving community well-being through collaboration and social inclusion. These innovations respond to specific challenges, such as the inclusion of migrants in the agricultural labor market, and can generate both economic and social benefits.

3. Social Capital as a Well-being Enabler
Social capital is another key concept of the thesis, defined as the set of networks, trust norms, and reciprocal relationships within communities. It is divided into three main types:

Bonding Social Capital: Represents trust and solidarity within homogeneous groups, such as families or tight-knit communities.
Bridging Social Capital: Refers to connections formed between different groups, promoting inclusion and collaboration across diverse individuals.
Linking Social Capital: Involves vertical relationships between individuals and institutions, facilitating access to external resources and opportunities.
In agricultural communities, social capital plays a crucial role in promoting cooperation and enhancing well-being, facilitating the social and economic integration of migrants and agricultural workers.

4. The Issue of Irregular Work in Agriculture
A central theme of the thesis is the issue of irregular work, which is a widespread problem in the agricultural sector, especially in Italy. Migrants, often exploited due to their irregular status, work without regular contracts and lack legal and social protections. This not only compromises their physical and mental well-being but also hinders the development of strong social networks that could support their integration into the socio-economic fabric.

The thesis highlights how social innovations can address this challenge by offering solutions that promote the inclusion of migrants and the regularization of agricultural work, reducing the reliance on illegal labor and exploitation.

5. Methodology: Case Studies and the SROI Approach
The research methodology is based on a mixed-method approach, combining qualitative and quantitative analysis. Two case studies are used to explore the impact of social innovations on well-being and social capital: Humus Job and Casa Sankara.

The quantitative approach employs the Social Return on Investment (SROI) methodology, which assesses the social impact of initiatives by measuring the ratio between social and economic benefits and investments. SROI allows the quantification of the value generated by social innovations, not only in economic terms but also in terms of improved quality of life and social cohesion.

The SROI results were highly significant in both case studies:

Casa Sankara showed an SROI ratio of 6.19:1, meaning that for every euro invested, €6.19 in social value was generated. This indicates a strong return on the social and economic integration of migrants.
Humus Job demonstrated an SROI ratio of 3.22:1, reflecting that for every euro invested, €3.22 in social value was created, showcasing its effectiveness in promoting regular employment and ethical labor practices.
6. Casa Sankara: A Model of Social Inclusion
Casa Sankara, founded in 2016 in Puglia by exploited migrants, represents an innovative model of social inclusion for agricultural workers. The initiative provides housing, legal assistance, and opportunities for legal work to migrants seeking to escape exploitation and irregular working conditions. Casa Sankara is an example of bonding social capital, as it strengthens ties among community members, based on shared experiences of exploitation and migration.

Through social capital, Casa Sankara has successfully created a cohesive community where social well-being is promoted through mutual trust, legal support, and opportunities to participate in the regular labor market. This significantly improves the living conditions of migrants and fosters their social and economic integration.

The SROI ratio of 6.19:1 for Casa Sankara reflects the considerable social value generated by this initiative, highlighting its impact on improving the lives of migrant workers and creating a resilient community.

7. Humus Job: An Ethical Agricultural Labor Network
Humus Job, founded in 2018, tackles the issue of irregular labor from the farmers' perspective. Through an ethical network that connects agricultural companies and migrant workers, Humus Job promotes regular and sustainable labor practices. By utilizing an online platform, the initiative facilitates the match between labor supply and demand, ensuring regular contracts and fair working conditions.

The initiative promotes bridging social capital by building connections between migrants and local farmers, improving the economic and social integration of migrants while promoting sustainability in the agricultural sector.

The SROI ratio of 3.22:1 for Humus Job demonstrates its positive social impact, particularly in creating regular employment opportunities and reducing labor exploitation in agriculture.

8. Key Findings and Discussion
The research results show that both initiatives have had a positive impact on the well-being of agricultural workers and rural communities. Casa Sankara has improved social well-being and internal community cohesion by providing legal support and opportunities for regular work to migrants. Humus Job, on the other hand, has promoted economic inclusion and reduced labor exploitation, creating a more ethical and sustainable environment for agricultural companies.

Social capital plays a crucial role in the success of these social innovations. In rural communities, networks of trust and collaboration facilitate the integration of migrants and improve the overall well-being of communities. Bonding social capital is particularly evident in Casa Sankara, where the bonds among community members provide crucial support. Bridging social capital, on the other hand, is central to Humus Job, which builds bridges between farmers and migrant workers.

The SROI results reinforce the importance of social innovations and social capital in generating significant social returns. Both case studies demonstrate how innovative practices, supported by strong social networks, can address critical issues such as irregular labor while improving community well-being.

9. Implications and Future Directions
The thesis highlights the importance of integrating social innovations and social capital into policies aimed at improving working conditions in the agricultural sector. Initiatives like Casa Sankara and Humus Job show that an approach based on social capital and social innovation can reduce the reliance on irregular labor and improve the well-being of agricultural communities.

However, significant challenges remain, such as the need to expand these models on a larger scale and to develop further policies that support social innovations in the long term. It is necessary to continue exploring how social capital can be leveraged to further promote social cohesion and well-being in rural communities.

10. Conclusion
In conclusion, the thesis demonstrates that social innovations, supported by social capital, can play a fundamental role in improving the well-being of agricultural communities and addressing irregular labor. Initiatives such as Casa Sankara and Humus Job provide replicable models of integration and sustainability, showing that social capital and innovative practices can transform the agricultural sector and promote long-term community well-being.

The findings indicate that expanding these models to other regions and sectors could offer further opportunities to enhance the well-being and resilience of marginalized populations in both rural and urban areas. Future research should focus on exploring the scalability of these innovations and their potential impact on different socio-economic contexts.