Using Genesis 26:12-14 as a biblical praxis for economic recovery through Agro-business in Nigeria

Abstract

The agricultural sector is an important sector that often contributes to the growth of the overall economy of many nations. In the past,  the sector has contributed much to the Nigerian economy. However, because of the oil glut that emerged, various administrations shifted  their attentions to the oil sector, thus neglecting or paying lip service to the agricultural sector. This paper is an attempt to use  the Old Testament text, Genesis 26:12-14 to demonstrate that even God encouraged agriculture when He advised Isaac to sow in the land  despite the raging famine. The methods used for the study are the descriptive and exegetical methods of research. The text under  study was lexically analysed and the findings showed that obedience to the voice of God, hard-work and diligence are necessary for  economic recovery of a nation, such as Nigeria. Again, it was established along the line that one does not need to run away from the  country to be successful in Nigeria that is so blessed and that if one invests in it, with God‟s blessing and favour, bountiful harvests will be  reaped. The study ended with some recommendations that the government should seek for practical ways to diversify the economy  of the nation in agricultural line, and that religious and traditional institutions should encourage hard-work and diligence among young  people.