FAITH, FOOD
& FARMING
OVERVIEW
Agriculture has contributed to the degradation of many landscapes. Much of the soil upon which food production depends is depleted. The restoration of farmlands is therefore a key piece in the mosaic of restoration initiatives in any landscape.
Most farmers in priority biodiversity landscapes are people of strong faith. More and more of these communities are using sustainable agricultural methods driven by their spiritual beliefs and values about caring for the planet, but also in line with agroecology principles that support biodiversity, climate and human wellbeing.
And many development NGOs also include faith leaders in their sustainable agriculture trainings, recognising the powerful impact these leaders have in sharing these practices with their communities and in encouraging widespread adoption.
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'When we speak of the “environment”, what we really mean is a relationship existing between nature and the society which lives in it. Nature cannot be regarded as something separate from ourselves or as a mere setting in which we live. We are part of nature, included in it and thus in constant interaction with it.'
Pope Francis, Laudato Si', 14
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WHAT IS AGROECOLOGY
Agroecology is an umbrella term that embraces agricultural approaches to transform our food systems so that they are more sustainable and equitable. Agroecology aims to protect, manage and restore nature, while providing healthy food and securing the livelihoods of the people that produce it. The ten elements of agroecology can be applied at the farm, landscape and food system level, to realise nature-positive production.
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Discover more about agroecology and about faith-based farming systems using some of its principles.
WWF/Global
2021 WWF position paper on transforming global food systems
IIFOR-ICRAF/Global
IIFOR-ICRAF website on agroecology, with extensive resources
India/South Asia
Handbook for small farmers by Focus on the Global South
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FAITH-BASED SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE
There are growing moves among faith groups to promote using sustainable agricultural methods, driven by their spiritual beliefs and values about caring for the planet, but also in line with agroecology principles that support biodiversity, climate and human wellbeing. Here are some examples.
Christian/FGW/Africa/Global
Integrating Biblical teachings with sustainable agriculture practices
Buddhist/Northern Thailand
2019 study on Buddhist values and farming in northern Thailand
Muslim/ARC/Global One/Africa
Toolkit for Muslim farmers on conservation agriculture practices
Hindu/Brahma Kumaris Environment Initiative
Combining organic farming with thought-based meditative practices
Muslim/ARC/Global One/Africa
Islamic Farming toolkit in Uganda's Luganda language
GLOBAL FAITH DEVELOPMENT ORGANISATIONS
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Faith-based development organisations, such as World Vision, include faith leaders in their sustainable agricultural trainings and outreach, viewing them as powerful advocates for widespread community adoption of sustainable agricultural practices.
World Vision's low cost land restoration technique
Webinars on faith, food and agriculture
Food, faith and religious leadership
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Food, Faith & Religious leadership – Wake Forest University School of Divinity
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New Pathways Out of Poverty – 2017 position paper by Christian Aid & CAFOD
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Key guidance documents
Interested in getting a collaboration or a project going with a faith community but not sure where to start? Check out these key guidance documents.
