Christian Farming: an overview Sam Adams Tuesday 14 October 2014
What is it? A curriculum of sustainable land management based on biblical principles and teaching Beginning with the internal (faith, hope, vision) and applied to the external (farming techniques)
Background Started in Zimbabwe in the 1980s Two groups: Foundations for Farming, based in Zimbabwe Farming God’s Way, based in South Africa
Countries Angola Botswana Ethiopia Ghana Kenya Lesotho Madagascar Malawi Mozambique Nigeria South Africa Swaziland Tanzania Uganda Zambia Zimbabwe Also some countries in Asia, Europe and north and central America.
Theology Christian Farming teaches that farming is part of worship and that farming should be done in a way that honours God. Uses the bible to teach management principles 1.Do things on time 2.With high standards 3.With minimum wastage 4.With joy
Technical Looks to Creation as the model for agriculture. 1.Holes instead of ploughing 2.Mulch instead of burning or bare soil 3.Moving towards an organic system, precise and limited use of artificial sprays and fertilisers
Impact Christian Farming has been recognised as an effective tool in increasing food security Changed Zambia’s food deficit into surplus The technical elements have been incorporated into the FAO conservation agriculture manuals Adopted by Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Education Practiced in over 20 countries