Centre of Inculturation » Property and Work in the Perspective of Inculturation (The 4th School of Inculturation)

Held in Nairobi, Kenya in May 1997, the 4th “School of Inculturation” was a dialogue on property and work in African cultures. Organized by the Focolare Movement, the school brought together scholars and practitioners to discuss these critical issues with respect to sub-Saharan Africa’s socio-economic challenges. It critically examined these issues concerning the socioeconomic challenges facing sub-Saharan Africa. The presentations made during this conference were published as Book 1 of the Centre of Inculturation “Property and Work in the Perspective of Inculturation”

Understanding Property in African Cultures

Justine Beyaraaza wrote and presented the "Concept of Property in African Cultures.” It was a very rich presentation looking at how property is viewed and handled across various African communities. According to the research done by Beyaraaza, land is always taken as a divine gift and not property; it takes centre stage in any African community. For an agricultural and pastoralist community, land ceases to be a factor of production; it becomes the very source that sustains life and communal identity. She raised an important question: Is there any other form of material ownership that surpasses land?

Beyaraaza further described land ownership as being of a communal nature and reads a lot about social and moral values in property rights. African practices of the precolonial period define land as belonging to the clan or tribe with little emphasis on individual ownership as would be found in Western cultures. The same applies to the various aspects of land sales, inheritances, and rights of foreigners in matters concerning land among others since these are all primarily handled communally.

Her research also emphasised the role of leaders in the distribution and utilisation of land. The leaders play a custodian role to ensure that the land is put to use for the benefit of all the people within a community. Some issues, like land appropriation and the introduction of modern land uses, make people go against traditional ways. Therefore it is important that everyone has to learn assimilation of the balance between cultural values and required change.

The Role of Work in African Traditions

While examining “Work in the African Traditional Cultures," Justus Mbae argued that work is the core of wealth value among the African people. Mbae insisted that African work traditions urgently need to be understood regarding how work is embedded in social structures and daily life, rather than oversimplified or romanticised. According to his research, work is seen as a fundamental aspect of human dignity and community life. The traditional African view presents work as not separable from life but rather integrating labour in social and spiritual threads. In these ways, it is critical for the resolution of modern issues of unemployment and economic exploitation as it reclaims the dignity and importance of work with respect to personal and communal well-being.

Christian Perspectives on Property and Work

Another participant, Maria Magnolfi contributed the “Perspectives on Property and Work from the Old and New Testaments” set from a theological perspective. She highlighted that property in the Old Testament is considered a gift from God and it is to be used wisely and justly. The New Testament further provides greater elaboration, focusing on stewardship and sharing of resources within the community.

Magnolfi also spoke of the creation account in Genesis and strongly underlined the divine command that all men work and change the world. Work, however, is not only a means to survive but also part of getting involved in the creative process of God, hence it is a spiritual exercise.

Modern Reflections and Ethical Considerations

Prof. Martin Nkafu Nkemnkia and Guliano Ricchiardi brought out contemporary reflections to the table. On one hand, Prof. Nkafu discussed Julius Nyerere’s concept of Ujamaa, or African socialism, which advocates for communal ownership and cooperative work as pathways to social and economic development. This aligns with traditional African values of communitarianism and shared responsibility.

Ricchiardi on the other hand noted that the social doctrine of the Church concerning property and work emphasises the ethical imperative of using resources justly and the moral obligation to work diligently. The Church’s teachings advocate for a balance between private ownership and the common good, challenging the rampant corruption and economic exploitation in sub-Saharan Africa.

A Call to Action

The 4th “School of Inculturation” emphasised the urgent need for a renewed approach to property and work in Africa. The extreme poverty and exploitation in sub-Saharan Africa, compounded by land grabbing, corruption, and the effects of structural adjustment programs, call for a return to the ethical and communal principles found in African traditions and Christian teachings.

Chiara Lubich, the founder of the “School of Inculturation,” envisioned a transformation driven by the light of Christ, transcending cultural boundaries and fostering a global community rooted in justice and sharing. As the continent approached the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000, the seminar participants were urged to embrace a new attitude toward property and work, one that upholds human dignity and promotes the common good.

The 4th School of Inculturation therefore provided a platform for rich, interdisciplinary dialogue, offering insights and strategies to address Africa's pressing socio-economic issues. By integrating traditional values, theological principles, and modern reflections, it aimed to inspire a more just and equitable society.

Related Videos

Watch Justine’s presentation on “The Concept of Property in the African Culturesour”

Watch Prof. Mbae’s presentation on “Work in the African Traditional Cultures”