An Evaluation of the Economic Value and Effectiveness of Agro-Healing Programs

This study empirically evaluated the economic value and perceived effectiveness of agrohealing programs targeting caregivers aged 40 and above and elderly individuals aged 65 and above residing in District D of Region G, and aimed to derive policy implications.Using the Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) and Tobit regression model, the willingness to pay (WTP) was estimated.The average WTP was 21,900 KRW (95% confidence interval: 17,500-27,500 KRW), indicating that agrohealing programs possess socially acceptable public value despite involving a certain level of personal cost.Among the expected effects of the program, psychological and emotional well-being was rated the highest by participants.Furthermore, a higher interest in agro-healing and stronger subjective value perception were significantly associated with increased WTP.Regarding program management, public institutions such as social welfare foundations and local governments were preferred as operators, confirming a societal demand for a trustworthy public management system.These findings support agrohealing as a practical policy alternative for improving the health and quality of life of the elderly.They can serve as foundational data for the establishment of related systems.In particular, the study highlights the multidimensional value of agro-healing and its potential linkage with social welfare services, emphasizing the need for a more integrated approach.Therefore, this study can provide useful reference material for local governments' budget allocation and program planning, stressing the necessity for demand-driven customized program development and institutional support for sustainable implementation.