From the 1960s and onwards we witnessed the rise of the liberation theology movement. This movement emphasized the need for social justice and a critical and affirmative stance towards oppression and marginalization. The church during this time was enamoured by celebrity preachers and aligned to an oppressive status quo. Jesus, however, is here for the oppressed and marginalised, and the church is not intended to serve material interests, but human interests in spirituality and emancipation. Theologians changed the narrative to emphasise social justice and equality and deliver a message of hope for those marginalised an oppressed: Come to the church for relief and salvation from an oppressive poverty!

We can counter oppression and marginalization with a spiritualism, but we also, and perhaps most importantly, have to work towards improving the material reality of our people. This movement emphasized the importance of real changes to people’s lives, and this is the inspiration that we need! Can we use this inspiration to create the imagery of a liberation agriculture?

Agriculture is under question these days. New farmers should navigate food, food production and the sale of food for emancipatory opportunities. Agriculture is a major contributor to climate change. The way we practice and organise agriculture is in question. We breed our foods towards very narrow genetic profiles, and this endangers biodiversity and makes it hard for farmers to gain access to seeds. Our crops are weak and cannot resist pests. We also produce our foods with high technology which has eliminated jobs in the sector, although it is still the largest employer in the country. The food system benefits large agribusiness corporations, who are locked-in a high-volume production system, and they serve the supermarkets of this world. Jesus would say: “Forgive them, as they do not know what they are doing”.