ABSTRACT
This article reviews the development process and research trends of Noufuku-Renkei (agriculture–welfare collaboration) in Japan and discusses its prospects. We conducted a narrative review of academic publications, government reports, and other relevant material. The literature was analyzed from five perspectives: (1) development processes and policy backgrounds, (2) characteristics of existing practices, (3) effects on farm management, (4) welfare and social impacts, and (5) expansion into forestry–welfare (Rinfuku-Renkei) and fisheries–welfare (Suifuku-Renkei) collaborations. The review revealed that Noufuku-Renkei developed from two major streams: employment support for people with disabilities and initiatives related to horticultural therapy and welfare. Since the late 2000s, it has expanded nationwide in response to the enhancement of disability employment support systems and increasing labor shortages in the agricultural sector. Previous studies have demonstrated that Noufuku-Renkei contributes to farm management by securing labor, improving productivity, and enhancing management practices. At the same time, it generates welfare-related benefits, including creating employment opportunities, improving health and well-being, and promoting social participation among people with disabilities. The literature also suggests that Noufuku-Renkei helps maintain local communities and foster an inclusive, community-based society. In recent years, these initiatives have expanded beyond agriculture to include forestry and fisheries, giving rise to the broader Noufuku-Renkei. Common challenges across these sectors include identifying and adapting tasks, matching stakeholders, and developing intermediary support systems and coordinators. These findings indicate that Noufuku-Renkei should be viewed not only as a means of supporting disability employment and agricultural development but also as a community-based mechanism for addressing regional issues through collaboration among diverse stakeholders. Future research should accumulate empirical evidence on the mechanisms and conditions that generate positive outcomes and further examine the social value and regional impacts of broader Noufuku-Renkei.
Keywords: Social farming; farm management; social participation; inclusive society; rural development; primary industries
INTRODUCTION
Recent international debates on rural development have emphasized not only the need to build sustainable food systems but also the importance of promoting the participation of diverse actors in socioeconomic activities through linkages between agriculture and other sectors, including agro-processing and services (IFAD, 2019; FAO, 2025). This study focused on Noufuku-Renkei (agriculture–welfare collaboration), an initiative that aims to promote employment opportunities and social participation for diverse groups of people through collaboration between the agricultural and welfare sectors, thereby contributing to the sustainable development of local communities. This approach shares principles with social farming, which links the multifunctionality of agriculture to community-based social and healthcare services to support the social inclusion of diverse populations (Di Iacovo and O’Connor, 2009).
Japan has promoted agriculture–welfare collaboration in response to challenges in both the agricultural and welfare sectors. In the agricultural sector, labor shortage and the aging of the agricultural workforce have become serious problems, while in the welfare sector, there is a growing need to secure employment opportunities for people with disabilities and improve their wages and earnings (Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, 2026). Agriculture encompasses a wide range of tasks and processes, enabling people with disabilities to take on roles that match their abilities and characteristics. Thus, it provides opportunities for both employment and social participation. Recognizing these multifunctional aspects of agriculture, initiatives known as Noufuku-Renkei, which promote employment support and social participation for people with disabilities and other groups, have expanded nationwide since approximately 2010, supported by government policies (Hamada, 2021; Yoshida et al., 2023). Guirong and Oba (2023) compared Noufuku-Renkei in Japan with AgrAbility in the United States, care farming in the Netherlands, and social agriculture in Italy. They noted that while social farming initiatives in Europe and North America generally aim to promote social inclusion and provide care for a broad range of beneficiaries, including older adults and people experiencing addiction, Noufuku-Renkei in Japan has primarily developed to support employment for people with disabilities. Guirong and Oba (2023) further identified the development of intermediary support organizations and the strengthening of support systems as important future challenges, arguing that Noufuku-Renkei should evolve into a community-based mechanism that facilitates the participation of diverse actors.
These observations highlight the need for a systematic review of the existing body of research to examine the future development of social farming in Japan. Accordingly, this study reviewed the literature on the developmental trajectory and research trends of Noufuku-Renkei, which has evolved primarily around the promotion of employment support and social participation for people with disabilities. Based on this review, this study explored the future potential and possible directions for further development.
RESEARCH METHODS
In Japan, Noufuku-Renkei has developed across multiple fields, including agricultural policy, disability welfare policy, community development, horticultural therapy, and welfare. Consequently, studies confined to a single discipline cannot provide a comprehensive understanding of this phenomenon. In addition, some related areas, including emerging collaborations between forestry and welfare (Rinfuku-Renkei) and fisheries and welfare (Suifuku-Renkei), remain underexplored in the existing literature.
Given these considerations, this study employed a narrative literature review of academic publications, government documents, and other relevant materials. This review examined the development of Noufuku-Renkei from five perspectives: (1) its historical development process and policy background, (2) the characteristics of its practices and case studies, (3) its effects on farm management, (4) its welfare-related outcomes, and (5) its expansion into the fields of Rinfuku-Renkei and Suifuku-Renkei.
RESULTS
Development process and policy background of Noufuku-Renkei
According to Koshiba and Kawate (2025) and Yoshida (2026), Noufuku-Renkei has developed through two major streams: employment support for people with disabilities and initiatives related to horticultural therapy and welfare. In recent years, a diverse range of practices integrating these two streams has emerged, leading to the evolution of broader Noufuku-Renkei, which encompasses various initiatives that contribute to the realization of an inclusive, community-based society. According to Yoshida (2026), agricultural activities in facilities for people with disabilities were primarily based on subsistence farming from the postwar period through the 1960s, serving the functions of food provision and life skills training. Subsequently, from the 1970s to 1990s, agricultural activities in welfare facilities declined, as advances in disability employment policies expanded employment opportunities in non-agricultural sectors, particularly in subcontracted manufacturing-related work.
However, in the late 2000s, agriculture was re-evaluated as a new source of employment opportunities for people with disabilities. This shift was partly driven by a reduction in the subcontracting work available to welfare facilities due to the overseas relocation of manufacturing industries and the economic downturn following the global financial crisis. Additionally, the establishment of the Continuous Employment Support Program (Shuro Keizoku Shien Jigyo) and the implementation of the Five-Year Plan to Double Earnings for Persons with Disabilities promoted welfare facilities' entry into agriculture and strengthened collaboration with farmers. As a result, Noufuku-Renkei initiatives began spreading nationwide around 2010 (Yoshida et al., 2014; Yoshida et al., 2018; Hamada, 2021; Guirong and Oba, 2023; Koshiba and Kawate, 2025; Yoshida, 2026).
In the early 2010s, nationwide surveys and other research efforts helped make Noufuku-Renkei initiatives more visible, and from 2015 onwards, they came to be recognised as an important policy agenda (Guirong and Oba, 2023). In 2019, the Vision for Promoting Noufuku-Renkei (Noufuku-Renkei-to Suishin Vision) was formulated to set policy directions for further promoting these initiatives. Subsequently, Noufuku-Renkei was incorporated into the revised Basic Act on Food, Agriculture, and Rural Areas in 2024. The revised vision advocates promote a broader range of initiatives, including Universal Farms, Rinfuku-Renkei (forestry–welfare collaboration), and Suifuku-Renkei (fisheries–welfare collaboration), under the broader Noufuku-Renkei framework, aiming to expand their scope and impact.
Characteristics of existing practices
Research on Noufuku-Renkei in Japan began to develop in earnest in the 2000s, and since 2010, a substantial body of literature has accumulated on its role in promoting regional agriculture and supporting employment for people with disabilities. However, relatively little attention has been paid to the health and welfare effects of agricultural activities; although research on these aspects has increased in recent years (Nakamoto, 2026).
In the early 2000s, the distinction between competitive employment and welfare-based employment for people with disabilities had not yet been clearly conceptualized. Combined with the diverse nature of agricultural work, this created challenges for classifying initiatives and designing appropriate support measures (Yasunaka et al., 2009). Against this background, studies seeking to categorise different forms of Noufuku-Renkei have been conducted (Ushino et al., 2007; Yasunaka et al., 2009). In addition, the Policy Research Institute of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries conducted a series of related research projects between 2009 and 2011, promoting comparative analyses of multiple cases across different practice categories. For example, Iida et al. (2011) demonstrated that the entry of social welfare corporations and similar organizations into agriculture contributed to the maintenance of regional agriculture. Yoshida et al. (2014) suggested that the participation of special subsidiary companies in the agricultural sector could contribute to the maintenance and revitalisation of rural communities. Koshiba et al. (2014) showed that farm diversification and value-added processing initiatives undertaken by employment support facilities for people with disabilities can enhance the value added of agricultural products. These studies have played an important role in systematising policy support measures for Noufuku-Renkei. Subsequently, Koshiba (2016a) highlighted the need to identify challenges and develop support measures tailored to different stages of Noufuku-Renkei initiatives. Meanwhile, Koshiba et al., (2016b) revealed that in pioneering regions, key actors involved in Noufuku-Renkei established their own networks and laid the foundation for collaborative platforms to support further development. Furthermore, Ishibashi et al. (2018) emphasized the importance of designing support measures that reflect the major agricultural products and geographical conditions of individual regions. Collectively, these studies contribute to a better understanding of the conditions necessary for the sustainable promotion of Noufuku-Renkei at the regional level.
Effects on farm management
As Noufuku-Renkei initiatives have expanded and support programs have developed, efforts have been made to communicate and demonstrate their benefits. Surveys conducted among members of the Japan Agricultural Corporations Association by Yamashita et al. (2009), Kotani et al. (2016), and Wu et al. (2020), as well as a survey of Noufuku-Renkei practitioners conducted by The Nippon Foundation (2019), showed that the employment of people with disabilities in the agricultural sector has positive effects on farm management. These benefits include securing a stable labor force and improving work efficiency through the subdivision and refinement of production tasks. In addition, case studies of individual initiatives show that employing people with disabilities contributes not only to agricultural production and farmland maintenance but also to improvements in the workplace environment (Hamada, 2009). Yoshida (2019) reported that outsourcing agricultural tasks to welfare facilities for people with disabilities enables farmers to secure a stable labor force during peak farming seasons, expand the scale of their operations, and improve the quality of agricultural products.
Guidance materials such as the manual produced by the National Institute for Rural Engineering (2008) present the practical knowledge required to achieve these benefits. Katakura et al. (2007) also highlighted the importance of adjusting work processes and devising appropriate methods for instruction and supervision. Furthermore, existing studies demonstrated that Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) are effective in standardizing work procedures and clarifying the division of labor (Nakamoto and Sawano, 2020; Nakamoto et al., 2022). Suzuki (2023) also identified pioneering cases in which subdividing work processes and introducing the Japan GAP have facilitated the sustainable employment of people with disabilities. The effects of Noufuku-Renkei on farm management have been categorized into four dimensions: improvements in management practices, human resource development and retention, value addition to products, and reduction in production costs coupled with more advanced production management (Mitsubishi UFJ Research and Consulting, 2020). In recent years, additional benefits have been reported, including improved information-sharing within workplaces and the enhancement of organisational culture through the employment of people with disabilities. These findings are consistent with the broader literature on diversity management (Kuramochi, 2025).
Overall, these studies demonstrated that Noufuku-Renkei generates multifaceted benefits for farm management. Future research should quantitatively evaluate these effects through farm management and economic analyses to provide more robust evidence of their outcomes. Further studies are needed to visualise and compare the results achieved by different types of initiatives at different stages of development, thereby contributing to a more systematic understanding of the effectiveness and sustainability of Noufuku-Renkei.
Welfare and social effects of Noufuku-Renkei
Regarding welfare-related outcomes, a substantial body of research has accumulated in horticultural therapy and horticultural welfare. In recent years, studies have increasingly focused on Noufuku-Renkei initiatives and have examined their effects and significance. For example, Toyoda et al. (2022), associated participation in Noufuku-Renkei activities by people with intellectual and psychosocial disabilities with a range of positive outcomes, including reductions in psychological and physical stress, improvements in concentration and self-esteem, reductions in obesity-related tendencies, enhanced physical fitness, better sleep quality, and increased social skills. Ukai and Ota (2024) found that the enjoyment derived from citrus cultivation activities helped alleviate psychological stress and enhanced participants’ sense of vitality and well-being. Additionally, Mizoguchi et al. (2021) showed that animal-assisted agricultural activities such as beekeeping and livestock farming contribute to psychological stability, social participation, and economic independence among participants. Furthermore, Toyoda et al. (2016) revealed that tools have been developed to support the selection of agricultural tasks suitable for people with disabilities and improve working conditions by evaluating the physical workload and risk level of agricultural operations and analyzing them in relation to work formats and the degree of manual dexterity required. The outcomes of this research have been incorporated into the training materials used in the Agriculture-Welfare Collaboration Technical Supporter Training Program, which was launched in fiscal year 2019 to train specialists who support the implementation and expansion of Noufuku-Renkei initiatives.
Additionally, research has increasingly examined the effects of Noufuku-Renkei on diverse population groups and its broader impact on local communities. Nakai et al. (2026a), in their study of adult day care facilities, demonstrated that farming activities may contribute not only to the maintenance of physical functioning among older adults requiring long-term care, but also to the realization of more self-directed lives and the reconstruction of social connections. Additionally, studies have suggested that farming activities can support the social participation of older adults with dementia and serve as a foundation for building an inclusive, multigenerational society (Ura et al., 2018, 2021; Okamura and Ura, 2026). Takeyama (2017, 2019) argued that Noufuku-Renkei can effectively prevent social isolation among people with disabilities and older adults. Furthermore, Inoue and Nakatake (2021) showed that agriculture fosters the inclusion of diverse individuals while enhancing the resilience and sustainability of local communities. Moreover, Tateyama (2023) pointed out that the knowledge of multi-stakeholder collaboration and human resource development accumulated through Noufuku-Renkei can also be applied to the sustainable management of local communities and may contribute to its integrated operation with rural management organizations. Similarly, Yaguchi (2020) argued that Noufuku-Renkei extends beyond support for people with disabilities by providing opportunities for health promotion and social inclusion. Against the backdrop of growing demand for healing, comfort, and well-being in a mature society, he further suggested that Noufuku-Renkei could generate new forms of value and serve as a foundation for developing an inclusive, community-based society.
Several studies have examined ways to enhance the effectiveness of Noufuku-Renkei initiatives. Fukushima (2023) demonstrated the potential effectiveness of natural farming practices, whereas Koizumi (2022) explored support approaches informed by social work theory. Furthermore, Nakai et al. (2026b) identified key support characteristics that are considered important in Noufuku-Renkei practice but difficult to implement and investigated their relationship with occupational therapists’ role recognition. In addition, Fujimoto (2024), after reviewing the existing literature, pointed out that a key challenge for future research is to clarify the mechanisms and processes through which the benefits of Noufuku-Renkei are generated and realised. Taken together, these studies suggest that the significance of Noufuku-Renkei extends beyond employment support for people with disabilities. It contributes to improvements in health and wellbeing, promotes social participation and inclusion among diverse populations, and may strengthen the sustainability and resilience of local communities. However, further research is needed to better understand the factors and processes that shape these outcomes and to identify effective approaches for maximizing their impacts.
Overall, recent studies suggest that Noufuku-Renkei has the potential not only to support people with disabilities but also to promote health maintenance and social participation among older adults and diverse community members, thereby contributing to an inclusive, community-based society. However, because Noufuku-Renkei encompasses a wide variety of practices and organizational forms, knowledge regarding the mechanisms through which its effects are generated and the conditions under which they are realized remains limited. Therefore, future research should accumulate empirical evidence to clarify the outcomes of Noufuku-Renkei and the factors necessary for its successful implementation and sustainability.
Expansion into Rinfuku-Renkei and Suifuku-Renkei
Rinfuku-Renkei and Suifuku-Renkei have attracted increasing attention in Japan in recent years, although related research remains limited. Nevertheless, researchers have identified 95 Rinfuku-Renkei initiatives and 111 Suifuku-Renkei initiatives nationwide (Japan Agriculture-Welfare Collaboration Association, 2025).
In Rinfuku-Renkei, initiatives have expanded primarily in activities such as forest management and seedling production. Hamada (2018) positioned Rinfuku-Renkei as an extension of Noufuku-Renkei and presented a practical model based on a forest restoration project. Similarly, Onohara et al. (2024), through a case analysis across Japan, identified the characteristics of Rinfuku-Renkei initiatives, which primarily focus on activities such as assisting with underbrush clearing and seedling production, and highlighted the potential applicability of the knowledge and experience accumulated through Noufuku-Renkei. Furthermore, Hozumi (2025) demonstrated that the alignment of needs between forestry cooperatives and welfare facilities is a critical condition for the continued implementation and sustainability of Rinfuku-Renkei initiatives. In addition, knowledge regarding the compatibility between different types of disabilities and forestry tasks is gradually accumulating (Insight, 2021). Future challenges include the further development of task decomposition methods that identify forestry operations suitable for people with disabilities, as well as the enhancement of matching systems that effectively connect forestry organizations with welfare service providers.
Regarding Suifuku-Renkei, initiatives have primarily been developed in the seafood processing sector. In prefectures such as Mie, Iwate, Kanagawa, and Okayama, prefecture-level matching and support systems have been established to facilitate collaboration between fisheries-related businesses and welfare organizations. According to a collection of case studies published by the Fisheries Agency (2026), Suifuku-Renkei initiatives have created diverse employment opportunities in areas such as seafood processing and aquaculture-related operations. However, it has been pointed out that many organizations have yet to initiate Suifuku-Renkei activities due to factors such as limited awareness of the concept and difficulties in identifying and separating suitable tasks for participation by people with disabilities (Japan Agriculture-Welfare Collaboration Association, 2025).
Against this backdrop, Kumagai and Yamaoka (2023) classified Suifuku-Renkei initiatives into four categories by adapting a typology previously developed for Noufuku-Renkei. Their study further demonstrated that intermediary support organizations, which facilitate matching between fisheries operators and welfare service providers, coordinate work assignments, and provide human resource development support, play a crucial role in the continuation and development of these initiatives. In addition, Mori and Takenouchi (2018), through a case study of Ainan Town in Ehime Prefecture, reported that Suifuku-Renkei has the potential to address the challenges faced by both sectors simultaneously, namely employment support for people with disabilities and labor shortages in the fisheries industry.
Furthermore, Lee (2024, 2025) argued that Suifuku-Renkei should be understood not only as a means of securing labor for the fisheries sector but also as an initiative that re-evaluates the welfare-related functions and social value of small-scale fisheries within local communities. Lee (2024, 2025) further suggested that the significance of Suifuku-Renkei is closely related to the concept of ‘Marine Community Business’ (Umi-gyo), which Japan has recently promoted as a strategy for creating diverse economic and social opportunities in coastal areas.
Overall, as initiatives expanded from Noufuku-Renkei to Rinfuku-Renkei and Suifuku-Renkei, several common challenges associated with collaboration between primary industries and the welfare sector became increasingly apparent. In particular, the identification and adaptation of suitable tasks, improvement of public awareness, effective matching between participating organizations, and securing intermediary support organizations and coordinators have emerged as shared issues across these initiatives. Under current circumstances, increasing the visibility of successful practices and strengthening matching and coordination support are essential to further expand such collaborations.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS
Japanese Noufuku-Renkei, which has primarily focused on supporting the employment of people with disabilities in the agricultural sector, was developed in response to challenges faced by both agriculture and welfare, namely labor shortages and the increase in abandoned farmland in rural areas, on the one hand, and the need to secure employment opportunities for people with disabilities, on the other. The literature review revealed that expectations for Noufuku-Renkei increased from the late 2000s onwards against the backdrop of the expansion of employment support systems for people with disabilities and the growing severity of labor shortages in the agricultural sector. It also showed that the concept of Noufuku-Renkei became widely recognized and established as an important policy issue through institutional developments and efforts to visualize and document its implementation through national surveys and related initiatives.
A review of previous studies indicated that Noufuku-Renkei generates benefits in both the agricultural and welfare domains. From an agricultural management perspective, it contributes to securing labor, improving productivity, and strengthening farm management. From a welfare perspective, it creates employment opportunities and promotes social participation among people with disabilities. Furthermore, the literature suggests that Noufuku-Renkei contributes to the maintenance of local communities and supports the realization of an inclusive, community-based society.
The recently emerging Rinfuku-Renkei and Suifuku-Renkei initiatives can be regarded as extensions of Noufuku-Renkei. As efforts expand to promote broader Noufuku-Renkei, encompassing these related forms of collaboration, the body of knowledge accumulated through previous research on Noufuku-Renkei is expected to provide important insights for policy development and practical implementation.
Based on these findings, Noufuku-Renkei can be viewed not merely as an initiative to support the employment of people with disabilities or promote agricultural development, but as a collaborative approach that seeks to address regional challenges through the participation of diverse stakeholders. Therefore, future research should accumulate empirical evidence on the mechanisms through which Noufuku-Renkei generates its effects and the conditions necessary for its successful implementation. In addition, the social value and regional impacts of broader Noufuku-Renkei, encompassing related initiatives such as Rinfuku-Renkei and Suifuku-Renkei, should be clarified. Such efforts contribute not only to advancing academic understanding of collaboration between primary industries and the welfare sector but also to developing practical and policy frameworks that support the realization of inclusive and sustainable local communities.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The author expresses sincere appreciation to all individuals and institutions whose support and resources made this work possible.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
The author declares that she has no conflict of interest.
ETHICAL APPROVAL
Not applicable. This article presents a narrative review of existing studies and publicly available data.
DATA AVAILABILITY
No new data were generated or analysed in this study.
Development and Research Trends of Noufuku-Renkei in Japan: From Employment Support for People with Disabilities to Broader Noufuku-Renkei
ABSTRACT
This article reviews the development process and research trends of Noufuku-Renkei (agriculture–welfare collaboration) in Japan and discusses its prospects. We conducted a narrative review of academic publications, government reports, and other relevant material. The literature was analyzed from five perspectives: (1) development processes and policy backgrounds, (2) characteristics of existing practices, (3) effects on farm management, (4) welfare and social impacts, and (5) expansion into forestry–welfare (Rinfuku-Renkei) and fisheries–welfare (Suifuku-Renkei) collaborations. The review revealed that Noufuku-Renkei developed from two major streams: employment support for people with disabilities and initiatives related to horticultural therapy and welfare. Since the late 2000s, it has expanded nationwide in response to the enhancement of disability employment support systems and increasing labor shortages in the agricultural sector. Previous studies have demonstrated that Noufuku-Renkei contributes to farm management by securing labor, improving productivity, and enhancing management practices. At the same time, it generates welfare-related benefits, including creating employment opportunities, improving health and well-being, and promoting social participation among people with disabilities. The literature also suggests that Noufuku-Renkei helps maintain local communities and foster an inclusive, community-based society. In recent years, these initiatives have expanded beyond agriculture to include forestry and fisheries, giving rise to the broader Noufuku-Renkei. Common challenges across these sectors include identifying and adapting tasks, matching stakeholders, and developing intermediary support systems and coordinators. These findings indicate that Noufuku-Renkei should be viewed not only as a means of supporting disability employment and agricultural development but also as a community-based mechanism for addressing regional issues through collaboration among diverse stakeholders. Future research should accumulate empirical evidence on the mechanisms and conditions that generate positive outcomes and further examine the social value and regional impacts of broader Noufuku-Renkei.
Keywords: Social farming; farm management; social participation; inclusive society; rural development; primary industries
INTRODUCTION
Recent international debates on rural development have emphasized not only the need to build sustainable food systems but also the importance of promoting the participation of diverse actors in socioeconomic activities through linkages between agriculture and other sectors, including agro-processing and services (IFAD, 2019; FAO, 2025). This study focused on Noufuku-Renkei (agriculture–welfare collaboration), an initiative that aims to promote employment opportunities and social participation for diverse groups of people through collaboration between the agricultural and welfare sectors, thereby contributing to the sustainable development of local communities. This approach shares principles with social farming, which links the multifunctionality of agriculture to community-based social and healthcare services to support the social inclusion of diverse populations (Di Iacovo and O’Connor, 2009).
Japan has promoted agriculture–welfare collaboration in response to challenges in both the agricultural and welfare sectors. In the agricultural sector, labor shortage and the aging of the agricultural workforce have become serious problems, while in the welfare sector, there is a growing need to secure employment opportunities for people with disabilities and improve their wages and earnings (Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, 2026). Agriculture encompasses a wide range of tasks and processes, enabling people with disabilities to take on roles that match their abilities and characteristics. Thus, it provides opportunities for both employment and social participation. Recognizing these multifunctional aspects of agriculture, initiatives known as Noufuku-Renkei, which promote employment support and social participation for people with disabilities and other groups, have expanded nationwide since approximately 2010, supported by government policies (Hamada, 2021; Yoshida et al., 2023). Guirong and Oba (2023) compared Noufuku-Renkei in Japan with AgrAbility in the United States, care farming in the Netherlands, and social agriculture in Italy. They noted that while social farming initiatives in Europe and North America generally aim to promote social inclusion and provide care for a broad range of beneficiaries, including older adults and people experiencing addiction, Noufuku-Renkei in Japan has primarily developed to support employment for people with disabilities. Guirong and Oba (2023) further identified the development of intermediary support organizations and the strengthening of support systems as important future challenges, arguing that Noufuku-Renkei should evolve into a community-based mechanism that facilitates the participation of diverse actors.
These observations highlight the need for a systematic review of the existing body of research to examine the future development of social farming in Japan. Accordingly, this study reviewed the literature on the developmental trajectory and research trends of Noufuku-Renkei, which has evolved primarily around the promotion of employment support and social participation for people with disabilities. Based on this review, this study explored the future potential and possible directions for further development.
RESEARCH METHODS
In Japan, Noufuku-Renkei has developed across multiple fields, including agricultural policy, disability welfare policy, community development, horticultural therapy, and welfare. Consequently, studies confined to a single discipline cannot provide a comprehensive understanding of this phenomenon. In addition, some related areas, including emerging collaborations between forestry and welfare (Rinfuku-Renkei) and fisheries and welfare (Suifuku-Renkei), remain underexplored in the existing literature.
Given these considerations, this study employed a narrative literature review of academic publications, government documents, and other relevant materials. This review examined the development of Noufuku-Renkei from five perspectives: (1) its historical development process and policy background, (2) the characteristics of its practices and case studies, (3) its effects on farm management, (4) its welfare-related outcomes, and (5) its expansion into the fields of Rinfuku-Renkei and Suifuku-Renkei.
RESULTS
Development process and policy background of Noufuku-Renkei
According to Koshiba and Kawate (2025) and Yoshida (2026), Noufuku-Renkei has developed through two major streams: employment support for people with disabilities and initiatives related to horticultural therapy and welfare. In recent years, a diverse range of practices integrating these two streams has emerged, leading to the evolution of broader Noufuku-Renkei, which encompasses various initiatives that contribute to the realization of an inclusive, community-based society. According to Yoshida (2026), agricultural activities in facilities for people with disabilities were primarily based on subsistence farming from the postwar period through the 1960s, serving the functions of food provision and life skills training. Subsequently, from the 1970s to 1990s, agricultural activities in welfare facilities declined, as advances in disability employment policies expanded employment opportunities in non-agricultural sectors, particularly in subcontracted manufacturing-related work.
However, in the late 2000s, agriculture was re-evaluated as a new source of employment opportunities for people with disabilities. This shift was partly driven by a reduction in the subcontracting work available to welfare facilities due to the overseas relocation of manufacturing industries and the economic downturn following the global financial crisis. Additionally, the establishment of the Continuous Employment Support Program (Shuro Keizoku Shien Jigyo) and the implementation of the Five-Year Plan to Double Earnings for Persons with Disabilities promoted welfare facilities' entry into agriculture and strengthened collaboration with farmers. As a result, Noufuku-Renkei initiatives began spreading nationwide around 2010 (Yoshida et al., 2014; Yoshida et al., 2018; Hamada, 2021; Guirong and Oba, 2023; Koshiba and Kawate, 2025; Yoshida, 2026).
In the early 2010s, nationwide surveys and other research efforts helped make Noufuku-Renkei initiatives more visible, and from 2015 onwards, they came to be recognised as an important policy agenda (Guirong and Oba, 2023). In 2019, the Vision for Promoting Noufuku-Renkei (Noufuku-Renkei-to Suishin Vision) was formulated to set policy directions for further promoting these initiatives. Subsequently, Noufuku-Renkei was incorporated into the revised Basic Act on Food, Agriculture, and Rural Areas in 2024. The revised vision advocates promote a broader range of initiatives, including Universal Farms, Rinfuku-Renkei (forestry–welfare collaboration), and Suifuku-Renkei (fisheries–welfare collaboration), under the broader Noufuku-Renkei framework, aiming to expand their scope and impact.
Characteristics of existing practices
Research on Noufuku-Renkei in Japan began to develop in earnest in the 2000s, and since 2010, a substantial body of literature has accumulated on its role in promoting regional agriculture and supporting employment for people with disabilities. However, relatively little attention has been paid to the health and welfare effects of agricultural activities; although research on these aspects has increased in recent years (Nakamoto, 2026).
In the early 2000s, the distinction between competitive employment and welfare-based employment for people with disabilities had not yet been clearly conceptualized. Combined with the diverse nature of agricultural work, this created challenges for classifying initiatives and designing appropriate support measures (Yasunaka et al., 2009). Against this background, studies seeking to categorise different forms of Noufuku-Renkei have been conducted (Ushino et al., 2007; Yasunaka et al., 2009). In addition, the Policy Research Institute of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries conducted a series of related research projects between 2009 and 2011, promoting comparative analyses of multiple cases across different practice categories. For example, Iida et al. (2011) demonstrated that the entry of social welfare corporations and similar organizations into agriculture contributed to the maintenance of regional agriculture. Yoshida et al. (2014) suggested that the participation of special subsidiary companies in the agricultural sector could contribute to the maintenance and revitalisation of rural communities. Koshiba et al. (2014) showed that farm diversification and value-added processing initiatives undertaken by employment support facilities for people with disabilities can enhance the value added of agricultural products. These studies have played an important role in systematising policy support measures for Noufuku-Renkei. Subsequently, Koshiba (2016a) highlighted the need to identify challenges and develop support measures tailored to different stages of Noufuku-Renkei initiatives. Meanwhile, Koshiba et al., (2016b) revealed that in pioneering regions, key actors involved in Noufuku-Renkei established their own networks and laid the foundation for collaborative platforms to support further development. Furthermore, Ishibashi et al. (2018) emphasized the importance of designing support measures that reflect the major agricultural products and geographical conditions of individual regions. Collectively, these studies contribute to a better understanding of the conditions necessary for the sustainable promotion of Noufuku-Renkei at the regional level.
Effects on farm management
As Noufuku-Renkei initiatives have expanded and support programs have developed, efforts have been made to communicate and demonstrate their benefits. Surveys conducted among members of the Japan Agricultural Corporations Association by Yamashita et al. (2009), Kotani et al. (2016), and Wu et al. (2020), as well as a survey of Noufuku-Renkei practitioners conducted by The Nippon Foundation (2019), showed that the employment of people with disabilities in the agricultural sector has positive effects on farm management. These benefits include securing a stable labor force and improving work efficiency through the subdivision and refinement of production tasks. In addition, case studies of individual initiatives show that employing people with disabilities contributes not only to agricultural production and farmland maintenance but also to improvements in the workplace environment (Hamada, 2009). Yoshida (2019) reported that outsourcing agricultural tasks to welfare facilities for people with disabilities enables farmers to secure a stable labor force during peak farming seasons, expand the scale of their operations, and improve the quality of agricultural products.
Guidance materials such as the manual produced by the National Institute for Rural Engineering (2008) present the practical knowledge required to achieve these benefits. Katakura et al. (2007) also highlighted the importance of adjusting work processes and devising appropriate methods for instruction and supervision. Furthermore, existing studies demonstrated that Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) are effective in standardizing work procedures and clarifying the division of labor (Nakamoto and Sawano, 2020; Nakamoto et al., 2022). Suzuki (2023) also identified pioneering cases in which subdividing work processes and introducing the Japan GAP have facilitated the sustainable employment of people with disabilities. The effects of Noufuku-Renkei on farm management have been categorized into four dimensions: improvements in management practices, human resource development and retention, value addition to products, and reduction in production costs coupled with more advanced production management (Mitsubishi UFJ Research and Consulting, 2020). In recent years, additional benefits have been reported, including improved information-sharing within workplaces and the enhancement of organisational culture through the employment of people with disabilities. These findings are consistent with the broader literature on diversity management (Kuramochi, 2025).
Overall, these studies demonstrated that Noufuku-Renkei generates multifaceted benefits for farm management. Future research should quantitatively evaluate these effects through farm management and economic analyses to provide more robust evidence of their outcomes. Further studies are needed to visualise and compare the results achieved by different types of initiatives at different stages of development, thereby contributing to a more systematic understanding of the effectiveness and sustainability of Noufuku-Renkei.
Welfare and social effects of Noufuku-Renkei
Regarding welfare-related outcomes, a substantial body of research has accumulated in horticultural therapy and horticultural welfare. In recent years, studies have increasingly focused on Noufuku-Renkei initiatives and have examined their effects and significance. For example, Toyoda et al. (2022), associated participation in Noufuku-Renkei activities by people with intellectual and psychosocial disabilities with a range of positive outcomes, including reductions in psychological and physical stress, improvements in concentration and self-esteem, reductions in obesity-related tendencies, enhanced physical fitness, better sleep quality, and increased social skills. Ukai and Ota (2024) found that the enjoyment derived from citrus cultivation activities helped alleviate psychological stress and enhanced participants’ sense of vitality and well-being. Additionally, Mizoguchi et al. (2021) showed that animal-assisted agricultural activities such as beekeeping and livestock farming contribute to psychological stability, social participation, and economic independence among participants. Furthermore, Toyoda et al. (2016) revealed that tools have been developed to support the selection of agricultural tasks suitable for people with disabilities and improve working conditions by evaluating the physical workload and risk level of agricultural operations and analyzing them in relation to work formats and the degree of manual dexterity required. The outcomes of this research have been incorporated into the training materials used in the Agriculture-Welfare Collaboration Technical Supporter Training Program, which was launched in fiscal year 2019 to train specialists who support the implementation and expansion of Noufuku-Renkei initiatives.
Additionally, research has increasingly examined the effects of Noufuku-Renkei on diverse population groups and its broader impact on local communities. Nakai et al. (2026a), in their study of adult day care facilities, demonstrated that farming activities may contribute not only to the maintenance of physical functioning among older adults requiring long-term care, but also to the realization of more self-directed lives and the reconstruction of social connections. Additionally, studies have suggested that farming activities can support the social participation of older adults with dementia and serve as a foundation for building an inclusive, multigenerational society (Ura et al., 2018, 2021; Okamura and Ura, 2026). Takeyama (2017, 2019) argued that Noufuku-Renkei can effectively prevent social isolation among people with disabilities and older adults. Furthermore, Inoue and Nakatake (2021) showed that agriculture fosters the inclusion of diverse individuals while enhancing the resilience and sustainability of local communities. Moreover, Tateyama (2023) pointed out that the knowledge of multi-stakeholder collaboration and human resource development accumulated through Noufuku-Renkei can also be applied to the sustainable management of local communities and may contribute to its integrated operation with rural management organizations. Similarly, Yaguchi (2020) argued that Noufuku-Renkei extends beyond support for people with disabilities by providing opportunities for health promotion and social inclusion. Against the backdrop of growing demand for healing, comfort, and well-being in a mature society, he further suggested that Noufuku-Renkei could generate new forms of value and serve as a foundation for developing an inclusive, community-based society.
Several studies have examined ways to enhance the effectiveness of Noufuku-Renkei initiatives. Fukushima (2023) demonstrated the potential effectiveness of natural farming practices, whereas Koizumi (2022) explored support approaches informed by social work theory. Furthermore, Nakai et al. (2026b) identified key support characteristics that are considered important in Noufuku-Renkei practice but difficult to implement and investigated their relationship with occupational therapists’ role recognition. In addition, Fujimoto (2024), after reviewing the existing literature, pointed out that a key challenge for future research is to clarify the mechanisms and processes through which the benefits of Noufuku-Renkei are generated and realised. Taken together, these studies suggest that the significance of Noufuku-Renkei extends beyond employment support for people with disabilities. It contributes to improvements in health and wellbeing, promotes social participation and inclusion among diverse populations, and may strengthen the sustainability and resilience of local communities. However, further research is needed to better understand the factors and processes that shape these outcomes and to identify effective approaches for maximizing their impacts.
Overall, recent studies suggest that Noufuku-Renkei has the potential not only to support people with disabilities but also to promote health maintenance and social participation among older adults and diverse community members, thereby contributing to an inclusive, community-based society. However, because Noufuku-Renkei encompasses a wide variety of practices and organizational forms, knowledge regarding the mechanisms through which its effects are generated and the conditions under which they are realized remains limited. Therefore, future research should accumulate empirical evidence to clarify the outcomes of Noufuku-Renkei and the factors necessary for its successful implementation and sustainability.
Expansion into Rinfuku-Renkei and Suifuku-Renkei
Rinfuku-Renkei and Suifuku-Renkei have attracted increasing attention in Japan in recent years, although related research remains limited. Nevertheless, researchers have identified 95 Rinfuku-Renkei initiatives and 111 Suifuku-Renkei initiatives nationwide (Japan Agriculture-Welfare Collaboration Association, 2025).
In Rinfuku-Renkei, initiatives have expanded primarily in activities such as forest management and seedling production. Hamada (2018) positioned Rinfuku-Renkei as an extension of Noufuku-Renkei and presented a practical model based on a forest restoration project. Similarly, Onohara et al. (2024), through a case analysis across Japan, identified the characteristics of Rinfuku-Renkei initiatives, which primarily focus on activities such as assisting with underbrush clearing and seedling production, and highlighted the potential applicability of the knowledge and experience accumulated through Noufuku-Renkei. Furthermore, Hozumi (2025) demonstrated that the alignment of needs between forestry cooperatives and welfare facilities is a critical condition for the continued implementation and sustainability of Rinfuku-Renkei initiatives. In addition, knowledge regarding the compatibility between different types of disabilities and forestry tasks is gradually accumulating (Insight, 2021). Future challenges include the further development of task decomposition methods that identify forestry operations suitable for people with disabilities, as well as the enhancement of matching systems that effectively connect forestry organizations with welfare service providers.
Regarding Suifuku-Renkei, initiatives have primarily been developed in the seafood processing sector. In prefectures such as Mie, Iwate, Kanagawa, and Okayama, prefecture-level matching and support systems have been established to facilitate collaboration between fisheries-related businesses and welfare organizations. According to a collection of case studies published by the Fisheries Agency (2026), Suifuku-Renkei initiatives have created diverse employment opportunities in areas such as seafood processing and aquaculture-related operations. However, it has been pointed out that many organizations have yet to initiate Suifuku-Renkei activities due to factors such as limited awareness of the concept and difficulties in identifying and separating suitable tasks for participation by people with disabilities (Japan Agriculture-Welfare Collaboration Association, 2025).
Against this backdrop, Kumagai and Yamaoka (2023) classified Suifuku-Renkei initiatives into four categories by adapting a typology previously developed for Noufuku-Renkei. Their study further demonstrated that intermediary support organizations, which facilitate matching between fisheries operators and welfare service providers, coordinate work assignments, and provide human resource development support, play a crucial role in the continuation and development of these initiatives. In addition, Mori and Takenouchi (2018), through a case study of Ainan Town in Ehime Prefecture, reported that Suifuku-Renkei has the potential to address the challenges faced by both sectors simultaneously, namely employment support for people with disabilities and labor shortages in the fisheries industry.
Furthermore, Lee (2024, 2025) argued that Suifuku-Renkei should be understood not only as a means of securing labor for the fisheries sector but also as an initiative that re-evaluates the welfare-related functions and social value of small-scale fisheries within local communities. Lee (2024, 2025) further suggested that the significance of Suifuku-Renkei is closely related to the concept of ‘Marine Community Business’ (Umi-gyo), which Japan has recently promoted as a strategy for creating diverse economic and social opportunities in coastal areas.
Overall, as initiatives expanded from Noufuku-Renkei to Rinfuku-Renkei and Suifuku-Renkei, several common challenges associated with collaboration between primary industries and the welfare sector became increasingly apparent. In particular, the identification and adaptation of suitable tasks, improvement of public awareness, effective matching between participating organizations, and securing intermediary support organizations and coordinators have emerged as shared issues across these initiatives. Under current circumstances, increasing the visibility of successful practices and strengthening matching and coordination support are essential to further expand such collaborations.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS
Japanese Noufuku-Renkei, which has primarily focused on supporting the employment of people with disabilities in the agricultural sector, was developed in response to challenges faced by both agriculture and welfare, namely labor shortages and the increase in abandoned farmland in rural areas, on the one hand, and the need to secure employment opportunities for people with disabilities, on the other. The literature review revealed that expectations for Noufuku-Renkei increased from the late 2000s onwards against the backdrop of the expansion of employment support systems for people with disabilities and the growing severity of labor shortages in the agricultural sector. It also showed that the concept of Noufuku-Renkei became widely recognized and established as an important policy issue through institutional developments and efforts to visualize and document its implementation through national surveys and related initiatives.
A review of previous studies indicated that Noufuku-Renkei generates benefits in both the agricultural and welfare domains. From an agricultural management perspective, it contributes to securing labor, improving productivity, and strengthening farm management. From a welfare perspective, it creates employment opportunities and promotes social participation among people with disabilities. Furthermore, the literature suggests that Noufuku-Renkei contributes to the maintenance of local communities and supports the realization of an inclusive, community-based society.
The recently emerging Rinfuku-Renkei and Suifuku-Renkei initiatives can be regarded as extensions of Noufuku-Renkei. As efforts expand to promote broader Noufuku-Renkei, encompassing these related forms of collaboration, the body of knowledge accumulated through previous research on Noufuku-Renkei is expected to provide important insights for policy development and practical implementation.
Based on these findings, Noufuku-Renkei can be viewed not merely as an initiative to support the employment of people with disabilities or promote agricultural development, but as a collaborative approach that seeks to address regional challenges through the participation of diverse stakeholders. Therefore, future research should accumulate empirical evidence on the mechanisms through which Noufuku-Renkei generates its effects and the conditions necessary for its successful implementation. In addition, the social value and regional impacts of broader Noufuku-Renkei, encompassing related initiatives such as Rinfuku-Renkei and Suifuku-Renkei, should be clarified. Such efforts contribute not only to advancing academic understanding of collaboration between primary industries and the welfare sector but also to developing practical and policy frameworks that support the realization of inclusive and sustainable local communities.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The author expresses sincere appreciation to all individuals and institutions whose support and resources made this work possible.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
The author declares that she has no conflict of interest.
ETHICAL APPROVAL
Not applicable. This article presents a narrative review of existing studies and publicly available data.
DATA AVAILABILITY
No new data were generated or analysed in this study.