EWS. Religion and Development - Nordic Perspectives on Involvement in Africa

The Nordic countries have been major contributors to development projects in Africa south of Sahara in the post-war period. This is partly due to the influence of both strong mission movements in all the countries, and the solidarity aspect of the social- democratic political movements. The Nordic states have all promoted a strong focus on a secular development-sector through their government-organised agencies. A large majority of the population who receives this help is, however, strongly religious. In many of the receiving countries religious institutions are important actors in the social field, and development is interpreted in a holistic way where spiritual and material development is intrinsically connected. The lack of a religious focus in the Nor dic development discourse has inspired us to question the role that religion plays in development. Content of the workshops The workshops will have a double perspective. On one hand the focus will be on examining the research conducted by Nordic and Afri can researchers on the grassroots level in Africa. Secondly a focus will be on Nordic involvement, on how Nordic governments and faith based organisations can gain insight and knowledge in order to interpret the role of religion in their concrete developm ent projects. The thematic approach covers areas where Nordic agents recently have concentrated their efforts, and will be as follows: - How does religion affect the gender aspect of joint Nordic development policies in terms of restoring dignity through empowerment? - What role does spirituality play as a resource for social reconstruction in post-conflict societies? - How has the growth of global Pentecostal-Charismatic Christianity together with increased Muslim activity influenced the significant p ublic role played by faith based organisations and institutions in Africa? - How do we understand the entrepreneurial orientation, self-efficacy, and religious attitudes in small third-world enterprises