Description
Farm Africa’s 30 Year Contribution
Fadeke Ayoola first reviews the world problems of food sustainability, particularly in Africa; then suggests that the Christian reponse is to modify our own lifestyle and support organisations like Farm Africa, whose work in helping develop African agriculture she explains in some detail. Finally, she gives some examples of practical ways in which individual Christians can respond
The primary objective of sustainability is to achieve satisfying lives for all, while staying within the bounds of nature1. By definition, consumption patterns are unsustainable if they exceed nature’s capacity to provide, whether at the local level or globally. Living beyond our ecological means will surely lead to the degradation of human wellbeing both now and for future generations.
Sustainability is on the global agenda because the global population has reached seven billion, and is projected to reach eight billion by 2024 (United Nations). CO2 emissions remain well above the level recommended by scientists, due to increased global energy demand.
Water scarcity is both a natural and a human-made phenomenon2 . There is enough fresh water on the planet for seven billion people, but it is distributed unevenly and too much of it is wasted, polluted or unsustainably managed. Water shortages, reduced water quality, and water price volatility pose a security risk to many large business operations. The pulp and paper timber processing industry is at risk from potential regulation designed to slow or reverse deforestation. This is an example of the scarcity of a natural resource leading to the risk of short supply being compounded by regulation.
Climate change, population growth, energy demand, water scarcity and deforestation all threaten long-term sustainability. However, policy makers, investors, businesses, NGOs and civil society are responding to these challenges. They are now acknowledging the interconnecting relationship between nature, society, and business, and are changing the way in which they conduct their affairs. Accountability, transparency, and sustainability are now high on the agenda of governments, organisations, and the global citizen, especially in developing countries. Why? According to the United Nations Framework on Climate Change (UNFCC), billions of people in developing countries are vulnerable to climate change, especially in Africa3.
In Africa vulnerability to climate change has the regional impact of water stress – extreme events such as droughts and floods. 75-220 million…
