From Eden to Kenya: How Biblical Philosophy Can Transform Agriculture

Agriculture is vital for Kenya’s economy and society, as it employs more than 80% of the population and contributes to 26% of the gross domestic product (GDP) (World Bank, 2019). However, agriculture in Kenya also faces many challenges, such as soil erosion, climate change, pests and diseases, and poverty. These challenges threaten the food security and well-being of millions of Kenyans who depend on farming for their survival.

In this article, we will explore how biblical philosophy can provide a framework for sustainable and productive agriculture that empowers farmers and honors God as the Creator and Owner of the earth. We will use the case study of Farming God’s Way (FGW), a biblically-based approach to conservation agriculture that has been implemented in various parts of Kenya by Christian organizations and churches. We will examine how FGW applies biblical principles and values to farming practices, and how it has resulted in positive outcomes for farmers and the environment.

What is Farming God’s Way?

Farming God’s Way is a resource given to the wider body of Christ, to equip the poor and break the yoke of poverty (Farming God’s Way, n.d.). It was first developed in 1984 by Brian Oldreive, a Zimbabwean farmer who was inspired by God’s Word and His creation to find a better way of farming (Sorley, 2013). FGW is based on three core principles: no tillage, mulching, and crop rotation. These principles mimic the natural processes that occur in a forest ecosystem, where the soil is undisturbed, covered with organic matter, and diversified with different species (Sorley, 2013).

Farming God’s Way also incorporates biblical values that are relevant to all walks of life, such as stewardship, faithfulness, generosity, and love for God and neighbor (Sorley, 2013). FGW teaches farmers that God is the Master Farmer and that they are called to be faithful stewards of the land and resources that He has entrusted to them (Evans, 2013). FGW also encourages farmers to share their knowledge and produce with others, especially the needy, as a way of expressing God’s love and grace (Evans, 2013).

Farming God’s Way is not a new or foreign concept, but rather a rediscovery of God’s original design for agriculture. In fact, FGW can be traced back to the Garden of Eden, where God planted a magnificent and diverse garden and gave Adam and Eve the responsibility to cultivate and keep it (Genesis 2:8-15). FGW seeks to restore this relationship between God, people, and creation that was broken by sin (Genesis 3:17-19). FGW also follows the example of Jesus Christ, who used agricultural parables to teach about the kingdom of God (Matthew 13:1-52). FGW aims to bring glory to God and hope to the hungry through farming that reflects His character and purposes.

How is Farming God’s Way implemented in Kenya?

Farming God’s Way has been implemented in various parts of Kenya by organizations such as A Rocha Kenya and Mahali pa Maisha (A Rocha Kenya, n.d.; Mahali pa Maisha, n.d.). These organizations work with churches and communities to train farmers in FGW methods and principles. The training involves teaching about what the Bible says regarding caring for the environment, explaining the ecological interactions between trees, birds, butterflies, ants, worms and their role in the farm, demonstrating the principles and practice of FGW, and showing natural ways of controlling pests and diseases (A Rocha Kenya, n.d.).

Farming God’s Way is not a one-size-fits-all approach, but rather a flexible and adaptable framework that can be applied to different contexts and crops (Sorley, 2013). Farmers are encouraged to experiment with FGW on their own farms and to learn from their own experiences. Farmers are also supported by regular follow-ups, field days, exchange visits, and mentoring from FGW trainers and fellow farmers (Sorley, 2013).

One of the examples of FGW implementation in Kenya is the case of Simeon Mwongela, a farmer from Machakos County. Simeon used to practice conventional farming methods, such as plowing, burning crop residues, applying chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and planting maize monoculture. However, he was frustrated by the low yields, high costs, and poor soil quality that he experienced. He decided to try FGW after attending a training session organized by A Rocha Kenya. He started by applying FGW on a small portion of his land, where he planted maize intercropped with beans and pigeon peas. He also covered the soil with mulch made from crop residues and weeds. He did not plow or burn the soil, nor did he use any chemicals. He was amazed by the results: his FGW plot produced more than twice as much maize as his conventional plot, and his soil became more fertile and moist. He also noticed that his FGW plot had fewer weeds, pests, and diseases than his conventional plot. He was so impressed by FGW that he decided to expand it to his entire farm. He also shared his experience and knowledge with his neighbors and friends, who were also interested in FGW (A Rocha Kenya, n.d.).

Simeon’s story is not unique. Many other farmers in Kenya have reported similar or even better results after adopting FGW. For instance, a group of farmers from Kajiado County who were trained by Mahali pa Maisha increased their maize yields from 5 to 25 bags per acre after applying FGW (Mahali pa Maisha, n.d.). Another group of farmers from Kilifi County who were trained by A Rocha Kenya increased their maize yields from 2 to 15 bags per acre after applying FGW (A Rocha Kenya, n.d.). These stories show how FGW can transform agriculture in Kenya by improving productivity, profitability, and sustainability.

What are the benefits of Farming God’s Way?

Farming God’s Way has resulted in many benefits for farmers and the environment in Kenya. Some of these benefits include:

• Increased crop yields: FGW farmers have reported increases in crop yields ranging from three to ten times compared to conventional methods (Sorley, 2013; A Rocha Kenya, n.d.; Mahali pa Maisha, n.d.). This is because FGW improves soil fertility, water retention, weed suppression, pest resistance, and nutrient cycling (Sorley, 2013).
• Improved soil health: FGW farmers have observed improvements in soil structure, texture, color, smell, and life (Sorley, 2013; A Rocha Kenya, n.d.; Mahali pa Maisha, n.d.). This is because FGW protects the soil from erosion, compaction, crusting, leaching, and loss of organic matter (Sorley, 2013).
• Reduced labor and input costs: FGW farmers have saved time and money by reducing or eliminating plowing, weeding, fertilizing, and spraying (Sorley, 2013; A Rocha Kenya, n.d.; Mahali pa Maisha, n.d.). This is because FGW reduces soil disturbance, maintains soil cover, enhances soil biology, and uses natural inputs (Sorley, 2013).
• Enhanced biodiversity: FGW farmers have increased the diversity of plants and animals on their farms and surrounding areas (Sorley, 2013; A Rocha Kenya, n.d.; Mahali pa Maisha, n.d.). This is because FGW promotes crop rotation, intercropping, agroforestry, and conservation of natural habitats (Sorley, 2013).
• Greater food security: FGW farmers have improved their food security and reduced their dependence on external aid and markets (Sorley, 2013; A Rocha Kenya, n.d.; Mahali pa Maisha, n.d.). This is because FGW increases crop yields, diversifies food sources, reduces post-harvest losses, and enables food storage and preservation (Sorley, 2013).

Farming God’s Way not only benefits farmers and the environment, but also has positive impacts on public health, social justice, and spiritual growth. Some of these impacts include:

• Reduced risk of zoonotic diseases and antimicrobial resistance: FGW farmers have reduced the risk of zoonotic diseases and antimicrobial resistance by avoiding contact with animal feces, using natural pest control methods, and practicing good hygiene and sanitation (Sorley, 2013; Evans, 2013). FGW also promotes animal welfare and health by providing adequate feed, water, shelter, and veterinary care for livestock (Evans, 2013).
• Increased income and empowerment: FGW farmers have increased their income and empowerment by improving their productivity, profitability, and market access (Sorley, 2013; A Rocha Kenya, n.d.; Mahali pa Maisha, n.d.). FGW also empowers women and youth by involving them in decision-making and leadership roles in farming groups and cooperatives (Sorley, 2013; Evans, 2013).
• Strengthened faith and community: FGW farmers have strengthened their faith and community by learning from God’s Word and His creation, sharing their testimonies and resources with others, and participating in prayer and fellowship activities (Sorley, 2013; Evans, 2013). FGW also fosters peace and reconciliation by promoting cooperation and dialogue among different ethnic groups and religions (Sorley, 2013; Evans, 2013).

These impacts show how FGW can transform agriculture in Kenya by improving well-being, justice, and spirituality. Farming God’s Way is not only a way of farming, but also a way of living that reflects God’s love and grace to His creation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, biblical philosophy can transform agriculture in Kenya by providing a framework for sustainable and productive farming that empowers farmers and honors God as the Creator and Owner of the earth.

• Farming God’s Way is an example of a biblically-based approach to conservation agriculture that has been implemented in various parts of Kenya by Christian organizations and churches.
• Farming God’s Way applies biblical principles and values to farming practices, and has resulted in positive outcomes for farmers and the environment, such as increased crop yields, improved soil health, reduced labor and input costs, enhanced biodiversity, and greater food security.
• Farming God’s Way also has positive impacts on public health, social justice, and spiritual growth, such as reduced risk of zoonotic diseases and antimicrobial resistance, increased income and empowerment, and strengthened faith and community.
• Farming God’s Way is not only a way of farming, but also a way of living that reflects God’s love and grace to His creation.

This article has presented the case of Farming God’s Way as an illustration of how biblical philosophy can transform agriculture. However, there may be other ways of applying biblical philosophy to agriculture in different contexts and cultures. Therefore, further research and dialogue are needed to explore the potential and challenges of biblical philosophy for agriculture in Africa and beyond. The future of African agriculture will influence the development of the entire continent. We must build today the foundations to steer agriculture on a sustainable development trajectory in the future.

References

1. A Rocha Kenya. (n.d.). Farming God’s way. Retrieved from https://www.arocha.or.ke/farming-gods-way/

2. Evans, A. (2013). Farming God’s way: A case study of the theological motivations and reflections of practitioners and proponents (Master’s thesis). Retrieved from https://researchspace.ukzn.ac.za/xmlui/handle/10413/10799

3. Farming God’s Way. (n.d.). Home. Retrieved from https://www.farming-gods-way.org/

4. Mahali pa Maisha. (n.d.). Farming God’s way. Retrieved from http://www.mpmkenya.org/farming-gods-way.html

5. Sorley, C. (2013). Farming God’s way: A case study of the theological motivations and reflections of practitioners and proponents (Master’s thesis). Retrieved from https://researchspace.ukzn.ac.za/xmlui/handle/10413/10799

6. World Bank. (2019). Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, value added (% of GDP) - Kenya. Retrieved from https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NV.AGR.TOTL.ZS?locations=KE