In Nigeria, where the research takes place, deforestation is one of the common ecological problems. MOSOP Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People NAGGW National Agency for the Great Green Wall.
Introduction
Background to the Research Problem
These views contribute to the understanding of how humanity exerts force that is destructive to the earth's natural resources. However, the Confession supported any economic policy and sustainable use of the earth's resources that included the poor and cared for the rest of creation.
Defining Deforestation
The extent of deforestation in Nigeria has necessitated a partnership with the United Nations Reducing Emission from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (UN-REDD) to mitigate the phenomenon (Okeke 2016). From the above evidence, one can conclude that deforestation in Nigeria is a problem that needs urgent attention.
Rationale of the Study
The purpose of this chapter is to discuss some of the causes and effects of deforestation in the Nigerian context. Therefore, it seems that there is no room for ecological issues in the vision and mission of the Church. This is evident in the pastor's response "The Lord bless your seeds with sufficient rainfall and abundant yield" (COCIN Service Handbook 2010: 134).
To further train students in the knowledge of the environment, education becomes the hallmark. The Church and National Development: A Case Study of the Living Faith Church (Winners Chapel) in Nigeria.
Location of the Research
Key Research Question and Objectives
How is CCDP carrying out its entire program to overcome deforestation in Panyam district and its surroundings. To evaluate some of the factors driving deforestation and its effects on the Panyam community and its environment.
Theoretical Frameworks upon which the Research Project is Constructed
The main objective of this study is to critically assess how CCDP contributes to solving ecological problems such as deforestation in Panyam district and its surrounding communities. Secondly, this research will also use Sallie McFague's 'Planetary Theology' to complement Spencer's theory.
Research Methodology
This study will also use theological analysis to see to what extent ecological studies have been prioritized in pastoral training in COCIN. Materials from the UKZN library and the Theological College of Northern Nigeria (TCNN) library were used to access relevant sources for this study.
Anticipated Problems, Limitations and Scope of the Research
The scope of the research was on deforestation as an ecological problem in Nigeria with particular reference to how it has affected Panyam District and its environs, in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State of Nigeria. Chapter Three explores COCIN's theology of ecology using COCIN's constitution, bylaws and service manual as key policy documents for the church; to ascertain the nature and extent of the church's engagement in the discourse on ecological issues in its theological education.
Introduction
Slash and burn in agriculture is a practice whereby trees and shrubs are cleared and completely burned to make way for other uses such as grazing and farming (Mfon et al. 2014a: 81; Anyanwu 2016; Wildlife Conservation Society 2016).
The Prevalence of Deforestation in Nigeria
Adeyinka (2012), who researched biodiversity in Nigeria, discovered that the country is richly endowed with numerous plant and animal species. Moreover, Ospina (2017) and Adekunle et al. 2013) in their study identified the poor policies, laws and regulations governing forestry in Nigeria as major reasons driving the deforestation process in the country.
Causes of deforestation
- Agriculture
- Population Growth and Urbanisation
- Logging
- Conflict and Grazing
- Fuel Wood Collection
- Mining Activities
- Pollution
- Desertification in Nigeria
This implies that an increase in population potentially leads to depletion of the forests and other natural resources in the country. In Nigeria, research has shown that the impact of desertification is felt more in the northern part of the country.
Effects of Deforestation
- Loss of Biodiversity
- Increase in Carbon dioxide
- Water cycle disruption
- Soil depletion
Deforestation reduces the number of available trees in a given area and leads to an increase in carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere (Meyer 1991; Deane-Drummond 2008; Mfon et al. 2014a; Aikhionbare 2015). In this regard, Aikhionbare (2015) states that trees play an important role in the water cycle by absorbing rainwater and releasing water vapor into the atmosphere.
Summary
Deforestation and poor land management can also lead to soil infertility and soil erosion. Here it can be deduced that depletion of the forest and degradation of the soil endangers the soil and makes it infertile for agriculture.
COCIN’S THEOLOGY ON ECOLOGY
Introduction
A Brief History of COCIN
- Vision and Mission of COCIN
The "wholistic gospel" referred to in the Vision of COCIN means the approaches or methods that the missionaries used when they first arrived. In the theological institutions where ministers are trained, the "wholistic gospel" is not completely reflected in the curriculum.
COCIN Theology of Creation as a Gift from God
COCIN also believes and teaches that all creation is a gift from God to be appreciated. We have forgotten this gift that you freely and willingly give, note that Christians recognize that God is the Creator and Giver of all life.
COCIN and the Issue of Injustice on Land Matters
We came from the Earth and we cannot survive without all that the Earth offers” (Habel et al. 2011: 5). 2011: 63) argue that social justice is integral to environmental justice and that abuse of the earth is inextricably linked to the abuse of people against people: “When there is injustice among the people of the land, the earth withers and produces no crops; when the future is secured by God, the land will produce abundantly all year round, so that no one will go hungry” (Habel et al. 2011: 64).
Biblical and COCIN Theology of Land
So to deprive any Hebrew of the right to land in any way was like fighting against God's will. In some African cultures, the perspective on land is the same as that of the Jews.
COCIN and Land Degradation
Although Kareem, Sunkanmi and Kehinde claim that the more land is acquired and cultivated, the more "the standard of living of the people will increase through increased income for farmers" (2016: 1). 5(a–d): Workshop and distribution of tree seedlings to Kinat community for planting after the sensitization workshop and (e–h) the process repeated in the Hurum community. Yusuf Luxman (n. d), the preacher of the sermon, exhorts Christians to allow God to rule their lives to enable them to live righteously on earth.
South African missiologist David Bosch says: “The mission of the church includes both the preaching of the gospel and its demonstration. Huffington Post, 19 November, available at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/pastor-gilford-t-monrose/role-of-the-church_b_1896969.html [accessed 17 August 2017].
Ingratitude by Humankind for God’s Provision
Nick Spencer’s Biblical Vision of Care for the Environment
- Some Biblical Texts Supporting Creation Care
- Responsibility towards Nonhuman Creation
- Privilege given to Humans to Rule Creation
- Command to Love our Neighbours
- Eschatological Hope
The language here of God's loving care for the Earth and the Earth's joyful response suggests that God's sustenance for creation is more than a mechanical exercise in creating a habitat for humanity. It deals with the issues of "the consummation of history and the completion of God's work in the world" (Chia and Katongole 2008).
Sallie McFague’s Planetary Theology: An Introduction
- Planetary Theology: The Economic Worldview
- Who are we? We are Consumers
- The Ecological Worldview
- Critique of McFague’s Planetary Theology
The focus of the ecological worldview is not entirely on humanity, but humans can also benefit from the entire system. Therefore, an ecological worldview aims to balance individual freedom with community integrity.
Summary
On the other hand, the ecological worldview is driven by community, sharing, distributive justice, sustainability and frugality for the welfare of all people. However, this is not for the personal interest of an individual, but for the welfare of the community.
Introduction
Brief Historical Background of CCDP
- Vision and Mission of CCDP
- CCDP’s Identity, Goal and Core Values
- CCDP Programme Areas
This reveals that the missionaries were able to meet the needs of the people by recognizing their spiritual and physical needs. However, the focus of the CCDP appears to be poverty reduction as stated in the organization's objective.
Workshops in Schools within Panyam
They say the green curriculum tackles ecological issues from the ground up, with the aim of teaching the younger generation environmental ethics, developing their interest in nature and promoting a better understanding of the environment and sustainable development. The need for environmental education in Nigeria is therefore one of the tasks that CCDP is raising awareness among the general public.
Workshops for Communities and Tree Planting
Similarly, in Kaduna state in northwestern Nigeria, another NGO, GreenAid, donates thousands of different species of tree seedlings to Unguwar Kudu (Uangbaoje 2016). Also in Adamawa State, Northeastern Nigeria, NGO tree planting projects in some communities in the state have great potential to curb some of the effects of climate change and deforestation in the state (Christon-Quao 2016; Omorogiuwa 2017; Dickson 2017). ).
The COCIN Pastors and Preaching on Ecological Problems
But how to seek God's kingdom and his justice in the light of the ecological problems facing Nigerian societies and how people should protect and care for other non-human creatures were not mentioned in these sermons. This is likely to be informed by the renewed violence and persecution of the church in Nigeria by Boko Haram, a militant or terrorist Islamic group.
Role of the Church in Community Development
The church must fulfill its prophetic duty to add a voice in addressing some of the ecological problems facing Nigeria now. The workshops on climate change and tree planting have undoubtedly raised the level of awareness among church members about the ecological problems that affect them.
Summary
Some of the projects carried out by CCDP include raising and distributing tree seedlings to communities and schools as a way to reduce the effects of deforestation. It was also revealed that several people found work through the foundations of the church.
Conclusion
In addition, this chapter discussed Nick Spencer's biblical vision of environmental care as a theoretical framework. Spencer's argument is that Christians need to care for creation and the environment because the Creator (God) cares for all that God has created.
Recommendation
Available at: http://www.dailytrust.com.ng/news/environment/-nigeria-s- forest-cover-reduces-at-3-5-percent-yearly/150173.html [Accessed 9 June 2016 ]. The Daily Trust, 8 February, Available at: http://www.dailytrust.com.ng/news/environment/-deforestation- rate-per-annum-unacceptable/184357.html [Accessed 13 February 2017]. Available at: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/causes-and-effects-of- deforestation.html [Accessed 20 March 2017].
