RT Article
T1 Food Production and Global Environmental Change: Stewardship as a Guiding Principle for Christian Development Organizations
JF Religions
VO 16
IS 3
A1 Stoep, Jan van der
A1 van Nieuw Amerongen, Maarten
A1 Treuren, Antonie
A2 van Nieuw Amerongen, Maarten
A2 Treuren, Antonie
LA English
YR 2025
UL https://ixtheo.de/Record/1917864310
AB Providing food security has traditionally been an important motive for development cooperation. At the same time, agriculture also has a major impact on the environment, which in turn threatens food production itself. This article argues that the tension between food production and global environmental change is largely caused by a modern dualism that pits man and nature, donor and recipient, and modernity and tradition against each other. It explores whether stewardship can help Christian NGOs find a way forward. Stewardship is closely linked to a Christian view of the relationship between man and earth and the relationship of people to each other. However, it is not uncontroversial. Therefore, a reinterpretation of the concept is needed. Finally, three principles are discussed that derive from a renewed vision of stewardship and can provide strategic direction: working together with nature, empowering local communities and adaptive transformation. Stewardship does not offer ready-made solutions, but that is precisely its strength. It appeals to practical wisdom. Every context is different and requires its own balance of values and interests.
K1 development cooperation
K1 Agriculture
K1 Stewardship
K1 faith-based organizations
K1 Climate Change
K1 Food Security
DO 10.3390/rel16030271