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Embedding spirituality values in agroecology initiatives in Uganda

Tumuhe, Charles L. and Byaruhanga, Ronald LU (2026) In Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems
Abstract

This short communication explores the intersection between agroecology and spirituality, drawing on field insights from faith-based agroecological initiatives in Uganda and the teachings of Laudato Si, Pope Francis’s encyclical on integral ecology. We specificallyfocus on agroecological practices observed at institutions where agroecology is integrated with spiritual renewal through forest regeneration, ecological education, and inclusive market structures. We argue that these practices illustrate a form of “ecological conversion” that aligns with Laudato Si’s call for ethical, social, and environmental transformation. The findings reveal that spirituality is notonly a motivating force but also a guiding framework that shapes... (More)

This short communication explores the intersection between agroecology and spirituality, drawing on field insights from faith-based agroecological initiatives in Uganda and the teachings of Laudato Si, Pope Francis’s encyclical on integral ecology. We specificallyfocus on agroecological practices observed at institutions where agroecology is integrated with spiritual renewal through forest regeneration, ecological education, and inclusive market structures. We argue that these practices illustrate a form of “ecological conversion” that aligns with Laudato Si’s call for ethical, social, and environmental transformation. The findings reveal that spirituality is notonly a motivating force but also a guiding framework that shapes agroecological principles, fosters community resilience, and bridges ecological justice with social equity. By engaging with both religious and indigenous cosmologies, such initiatives offer an inclusive and holistic model of sustainability. In this way, our paper contributes to the emerging discourse on faith-based agroecology, arguing that integrating spiritual values into agroecological transitions can enhance farmer agency, deepen ethical commitment, and support more just and sustainable food systems.

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author
and
organization
publishing date
type
Contribution to journal
publication status
epub
subject
keywords
faith-based agroecology, Integral ecology, Laudato Si’, spirituality and environment
in
Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems
pages
15 pages
publisher
Taylor & Francis
external identifiers
  • scopus:105029490449
ISSN
2168-3565
DOI
10.1080/21683565.2026.2626315
language
English
LU publication?
yes
additional info
Publisher Copyright: © 2026 The Author(s). Published with license by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
id
90371f92-49c4-43ab-bdfc-7a78eedb374c
date added to LUP
2026-03-27 18:55:44
date last changed
2026-03-31 14:47:10
@article{90371f92-49c4-43ab-bdfc-7a78eedb374c,
  abstract     = {{<p>This short communication explores the intersection between agroecology and spirituality, drawing on field insights from faith-based agroecological initiatives in Uganda and the teachings of Laudato Si, Pope Francis’s encyclical on integral ecology. We specificallyfocus on agroecological practices observed at institutions where agroecology is integrated with spiritual renewal through forest regeneration, ecological education, and inclusive market structures. We argue that these practices illustrate a form of “ecological conversion” that aligns with Laudato Si’s call for ethical, social, and environmental transformation. The findings reveal that spirituality is notonly a motivating force but also a guiding framework that shapes agroecological principles, fosters community resilience, and bridges ecological justice with social equity. By engaging with both religious and indigenous cosmologies, such initiatives offer an inclusive and holistic model of sustainability. In this way, our paper contributes to the emerging discourse on faith-based agroecology, arguing that integrating spiritual values into agroecological transitions can enhance farmer agency, deepen ethical commitment, and support more just and sustainable food systems.</p>}},
  author       = {{Tumuhe, Charles L. and Byaruhanga, Ronald}},
  issn         = {{2168-3565}},
  keywords     = {{faith-based agroecology; Integral ecology; Laudato Si’; spirituality and environment}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  month        = {{02}},
  publisher    = {{Taylor & Francis}},
  series       = {{Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems}},
  title        = {{Embedding spirituality values in agroecology initiatives in Uganda}},
  url          = {{http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/21683565.2026.2626315}},
  doi          = {{10.1080/21683565.2026.2626315}},
  year         = {{2026}},
}