Although there is growing interest in the role of religion in meeting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Agenda 2030, very few studies have focused on the contributions of interfaith networks. Most of the contemporary publications on religion and development focus on single religions or faith-based organizations. This volume addresses the lacuna in the available scholarship by undertaking detailed analyses of how interfaith networks in diverse African contexts contribute to development. Chapters in this volume engage in theoretical debates on interfaith networks and development, while describing concrete, fresh case studies on how particular interfaith networks are contributing towards the meeting of the SDGs in specific contexts. Thus, the volume describes older and newer interfaith networks and analyses their achievements and challenges. Contributors focus on SDGs that include peacebuilding, gender, youth, the environment, as well as overviews of interfaith initiatives in different African contexts.
"This volume has the potential to become an important reference work for practitioners, policymakers, and researchers who want to learn more about the specific role of interfaith networks in development in Africa (and possibly beyond). It could also fulfil the aspiration expressed in the introduction: to be a starting point for further research as well as the strengthening of the position of interfaith networks in development in Africa - and globally." (Hansjörg Dilger, Religion & Development, August 22, 2023)