We look at this interesting book by Ilse Köhler-Rollefson . See more about the book at Chelsea Green Publishing here.
Hoofprints on the land How Traditional Herding and Grazing Can Restore the Soil and Bring Animal Agriculture Back in Balance with the Earth
As veganism grows in popularity this can often have unintended consequences. The author of this book is annoyed at the throwing out of the baby with the bath water in terms of animal free meat products. Veganism aims to achieve a light footprint on the planet, and to ensure animals are not killed to feed us. Ilse Köhler-Rollefson helps to illustrate why the global situation for pastoral animals and those whose livelihoods depend on them is more problematic and complicated than this.
The book takes in a wide range of examples from different parts of the world, different animals, different cultures and different, often nomadic peoples. We certainly found the book informative and we learned about a variety of delicately balanced ecosystems. Ilse Köhler-Rollefson also suggests that is possible that some animals, such as reindeer and others may have managed humans rather than visa versa.
It is a fair point, if you look at the vegan preprepared meal packs in the freezer section of many super markets that they are heavily processed and far from addictive free in the ingredients list. It would perhaps be preferable if we had more natural and locally produced, pastoral based, actual animal products. Though this may depend on the reasons why someone has become vegan in the first place. This book does not have all the answers, but it is definitely a thought provoking and interesting book. Well worth reading.
How Traditional Herding and Grazing Can Restore the Soil and Bring Animal Agriculture Back in Balance with the Earth
Interesting! We will be holding a cross-cultural workshop on camel well-being next year to start the International Year of Camelids 2024 on the right footing. https://t.co/eRMZbTv6SK pic.twitter.com/j65jC7njha
— Ilse Köhler-Rollefson (@IlseKohler) May 4, 2023
More about the book
Hoofprints on the Land is a fascinating and lyrical book exploring the deep and ancient working partnerships between people and animals. UN advocate and camel conservationist Ilse Köhler-Rollefson writes a passionate rallying cry for those invisible and forgotten herding cultures that exist all over the world, and how by embracing these traditional nomadic practices, we can help restore and regenerate the Earth. Ilse has spent the last 30 years living with and studying the Raika camel herders in Rajasthan, India, and she shows how pastoralists can address many of the problems humanity faces.
Whether it be sheep, cattle, reindeer, camels, alpacas, goats, or yaks—this ancient and natural means of keeping livestock challenges the myth that animal-free agriculture is the only way forward for a healthy planet.
From the need to produce food more sustainably and equitably to the consequences of climate change, land degradation and loss of biodiversity, we can learn from pastoralists to help repair the human relationship with livestock to return to a model of intelligent cooperation rather than dominance.
As Ilse writes: “Herding is therapy, not just for the planet, but also for our souls.”
Out on 5th January! Now available for pre-order around the world. Hopefully changing thinking about the role of #livestock in planetary health from a multi-cultural perspective, inspired by 30 years of living with #Raika #pastoralists in #Rajasthan (India)! @chelseagreen @ORFC pic.twitter.com/a6ykwzsTwN
— Ilse Köhler-Rollefson (@IlseKohler) October 28, 2022
More about Ilse Köhler-Rollefson
Ilse Köhler-Rollefson lives in Rajasthan, India where she owns a small herd of camels and has co-founded the country’s first camel dairy. Her work has been recognised by the Maharaja of Jodhpur and she has received India’s highest award for women from its president as well as the Order of Merit from the President of Germany. Ilse studied veterinary medicine in Germany before working as an archaeozoologist in Jordan where she discovered her fascination with camels and herding cultures.
After completing her Ph.D. on camel domestication, she studied the Raika camel culture of India which led her to found the League for Pastoral Peoples (www.pastoralpeoples.org), an international advocacy organisation that is giving a voice to herders at the global level. Ilse is regularly quoted and interviewed by mainstream media, including the BBC, Forbes India and the Hindustan Times and she has given a TEDX Talk about The Nomads that feed us.
www.ilse-koehler-rollefson.com Twitter @IlseKohler
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