Hoofprints on the Land: Championing Traditional Herding Cultures (Ilse Köhler-Rollefson)

Hoofprints on the Land: Championing Traditional Herding Cultures (Ilse Köhler-Rollefson)

13 June 2023

Do you subscribe to the idea that the world needs to phase out animals from agriculture to mitigate climate change, land degradation and biodiversity loss?

Ilse Köhler-Rollefson, a UN advocate and camel conservationist, begs to differ and presents a compelling counterpoint in her fascinating book, "Hoofprints on the Land".

Immersing herself in the traditional ways of the Raika camel herders in Rajasthan, India, and other pastoralist cultures, for over three decades, the author champions the potential of nomadic livestock herding practices. She argues that these practices, far from being obsolete, are key to healing our soil, reviving biodiversity, mitigating climate change, and sustainably producing food.

"Hoofprints on the Land" calls into question the notion that eliminating animals from our agricultural systems is unavoidable to preserve the planet. Instead, Köhler-Rollefson underscores the value of herding cultures that treat animals as cherished partners and integral elements of their life cycle rather than mere commodities for profit.

Beyond advocating for a shift in our perspective on animal agriculture, Köhler-Rollefson's book vividly illustrates how pastoralists contribute to biodiversity, soil health, and sustainable food production. In particular, it highlights the often-overlooked role of manure, not as waste but as a vital source of soil nutrients, free from the damaging impacts of chemical fertilisers.

"Hoofprints on the Land" doesn't promise a panacea for our environmental and agricultural challenges but convincingly advocates for adopting traditional herding practices to ensure a more sustainable agriculture.

The Land Group