Holistic management (agriculture)

Holistic management is a systems thinking approach to managing resources that was originally developed for agriculture. It is designed to help farmers, ranchers, and land managers make decisions that are environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable. The concept was pioneered by Allan Savory in the 1980s and has since been adopted by various practitioners around the world.

Principles

Holistic management is based on the understanding that all aspects of a farm or ranch are interconnected. The approach emphasizes the importance of considering the whole system, including the land, animals, plants, and people, when making management decisions. Key principles include:

• Holistic Decision-Making Framework: This framework helps managers make decisions that align with their long-term goals and values. It involves defining a holistic context, which includes the quality of life desired, forms of production, and future resource base.
• Planned Grazing: This is a method of managing livestock to mimic the natural grazing patterns of wild herbivores. It aims to improve soil health, increase biodiversity, and enhance the resilience of the land.
• Monitoring and Feedback: Regular monitoring of the land and its resources is essential to ensure that management practices are achieving the desired outcomes. Feedback loops are used to adjust practices as needed.

Benefits

Holistic management offers several benefits, including:

• Improved Soil Health: By promoting practices that enhance soil structure and fertility, holistic management can lead to healthier, more productive soils.
• Increased Biodiversity: The approach encourages the use of diverse plant and animal species, which can improve ecosystem resilience and function.
• Economic Viability: By focusing on long-term sustainability, holistic management can help farmers and ranchers achieve economic stability and reduce reliance on external inputs.
• Social Well-being: The approach considers the social aspects of farming and ranching, aiming to improve the quality of life for those involved.

Criticisms

While holistic management has many proponents, it has also faced criticism. Some critics argue that the approach lacks scientific rigor and that its benefits are not always supported by empirical evidence. Others point out that it can be challenging to implement, particularly for those who are new to the concepts.

Related Concepts

Holistic management is related to several other approaches and concepts in sustainable agriculture, including:

• Permaculture
• Agroecology
• Regenerative agriculture
• Sustainable agriculture

See Also

• Allan Savory
• Planned grazing
• Soil health
• Biodiversity
• Sustainable agriculture