Biblical Stewardship and Environmental Conservation: A Study of Church Attitudes in Kano State

This study examines the theological concept of stewardship as articulated in Christian scripture and its practical application to environmental conservation attitudes among church members in Kano State, North West Nigeria. Against the backdrop of increasing desertification, poor waste management, and declining biodiversity in northern Nigeria, faith communities are being called upon to contribute to ecological responsibility. Using a descriptive survey design, data are collected from 220 church members and 25 clergy across eight denominations in Kano Municipal, Nassarawa, and Tarauni Local Government Areas. The study employs structured questionnaires and focuses particularly on awareness of biblical creation care theology and reported environmental behaviours. Findings indicate that while respondents broadly affirm God's ownership of creation and human responsibility for its care, this theological conviction rarely translates into deliberate environmental action. The disconnect is attributed to a lack of practical preaching on environmental stewardship, limited denominational programmes on ecological issues, and competing socioeconomic pressures. Churches that have intentionally incorporated creation care theology into sermons and small group discussions report higher levels of environmental consciousness and pro-environmental behaviour among members. The study recommends the development of a contextualised creation care curriculum for Nigerian churches and calls for inter-denominational environmental action networks in Kano State. Keywords: stewardship, environmental conservation, creation care, Kano State, Christian theology