THE PROBLEM DEFINED
Foundations for Farming THE PROBLEM DEFINED FAO Training – October ’09
Proverbs 3:5 “….acknowledge Him in all your ways and He will make your paths straight”
Foundations for Farming Is a biblically based programme incorporating : “Zero tillage” “Conservation agriculture” “Minimum tillage” As the Church, we use it as an outreach tool that only uses sustainable agriculture as a model for life-transformation of individuals, communities and nations. Proverbs 3:5 “….acknowledge Him in all your ways and He will make your paths
Why do we need to start changing our agricultural practices? ď ŹAll
is not well in Africa!
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Potential for sustainable development
Prime Land High Potential Medium Potential Low Potential Unsustainable Inland Water
BEAUTIFUL AFRICA Potential for sustainable development • Africa has 30% of the world’s natural resources. • Sub Saharan Africa has • good climate • good rainfall • fertile soils • many people to work
WE HAVE A PROBLEM • Africa’s GDP is poor
Africa’s problem…… Hunger and Poverty: Population of 900m people (80% rural) ¾ of the continents farmers are subsistance Population growth exceeds agricultural growth GDP of Africa is only 1.3% world Yeilds declining - Poor getting poorer Foreign Aid – beggars of the nations instead of blessing to the nations.
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Closer to home………..
Sub Saharan Africa – Has the most people in need of food aid. Grain imports/Food aid. Yet is has fertile soils and good rainfall. Poverty has doubled since 1981 (200m more)
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We can’t feed ourselves……. Ave
maize yields are 300kgs/ha (Potential is 14 tonnes) Poor farming practices. Soil erosion critical………. And the plough is the chief culprit! 04/14/16
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WE HAVE A PROBLEM • Zimbabwe’s maize yields are declining
Zimbabwe annually loses enough top soil to fill a goods train that would extend
twice around the circumference of the world! 04/14/16
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The World’s response to the problem……. AID!
World systems do not apply the Gospel of the Kingdom on earth. Result is The Yoke of Oppression - Dependancy!
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The Church’s response…..
Not much better if we are honest!
Isaiah 58 2 Chron 7v14
75% of the nation says that are Christians!
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So, Africa is the poorest continent on earth getting poorer…… But
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how do we get from this……
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To this……………….?
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How do we alleviate this yoke of poverty?
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