INFLUENCE OF RELIGIOUS BELIEFS ON THE ENVIRONMENTAL BEHAVIORS OF CHRISTIAN FARMERS -CASE OF THE COMMUNE OF MAHEREZA

Social Sciences and Ecotheology

This study examines the influence of Christian beliefs on the environmental behaviors of farmers in Mahereza, highlighting the notion of stewardship of divine creation. The main hypothesis is that faith and biblical teachings promote sustainable agricultural practices in the face of climate change. A sample of 119 families was randomly selected, and data were collected through questionnaires and direct observations. Statistical analysis relies on ANOVA and Pearson correlation to assess the relationships between religiosity, religious beliefs, ecological sensitivity, and agricultural practices. The results showed a strong correlation between religiosity and ecological sensitivity (r = 0.956), as well as between biblical teachings and environmental engagement (r = 0.975). However, the association between religious faith and concrete actions for the environment remains weak (r = 0.327), indicating a gap between convictions and practices. The use of chemical inputs (r = 0.967) is mainly influenced by economic constraints rather than religious convictions. These results suggest that, although faith raises ecological awareness, practical engagement remains limited by socio-economic factors. An approach integrating spirituality, education, and institutional support is necessary to strengthen the adoption of sustainable ecological behaviors among Christian farmers.

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