Faith-Based Partnerships in Global Agronomy: Pros, Cons, and Parameters.

Partnerships between scientific research teams and faith-based organizations are not often pursued for both founded and unfounded reasons. The faith-based and global agronomy communities could jointly benefit from one another in the areas of research, food security, and outreach programs.   This paper strives to demystify   faith-based organizations and look at the pros, cons, and parameters for positive partnerships.  This is based on case studies from Haiti, Tanzania, El Salvador, Ethiopia, and the United States.   An understanding of the parameters for success is generally left unspoken or assumed.  These assumptions can, in turn, doom an otherwise great collaboration from even beginning.   If the common goal is to do the most good for people and the environment, we must address the assumptions in the open.   A candid discussion can give way to broadened partnerships and better overall science.