A creative tension between spirituality and physical needs: a theological ecclesiological evaluation of the food security programme for the council of churches in Zambia

This article analyses the food insecurity situation in Africa and Zambia in particular. This article argues that the food insecurity situation that has rocked many countries in Africa is as a result of mismanagement of the farming industry by most governments; and also the church not playing its prophetic role to actively participating in agriculture and food production to enhance food security and dignity of life. The hypothesis is as follows: In place of food insecurity among the rural small holder farmers in Zambia, this article proposes a new point of departure for community development for the Council of Churches in Zambia. The new point of departure is food security through the practice of sustainable agriculture by small holder farmers which the Council of Churches in Zambia should be seen promoting among its member churches. This research attempts to contribute to the search for options that would ensure sustainable agriculture and food production as a life preserving framework for empowering households with food security from a Biblical theological perspective. The article falls within the practical theological academic sphere of theology, and more especially within Theology and Development Studies.