In agriculture, holistic management is a resource management strategy pioneered by Allan Savory for grazing management. It is a decision-making framework and a systems thinking method aimed to assist individuals and organizations in better-managing resources, particularly in the context of land and natural resource management.
Holistic management has been compared to “a permaculture approach to rangeland management.” It was invented by Allan Savory, a biologist and ecologist, and has been widely utilized in agriculture, ranching, and ecosystem restoration.
The key principles of Holistic Management include:
- Holistic Goal Setting: This entails developing a clear and complete vision for the future, taking into account social, environmental, and economic factors. It assists individuals or organizations in identifying their values and long-term goals.
- Holistic Decision Making: Decisions in Holistic Management are made with the potential effects on the entire system in mind. It fosters a careful examination of the various options and their implications, both short- and long-term.
- Ecosystem Health: It emphasizes the significance of preserving and increasing ecological health. This can include activities such as rotational grazing, which replicates natural processes and can aid in the regeneration of damaged land.
- Testing and Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of the system’s performance is essential. This involves setting up monitoring systems to track progress toward achieving holistic goals and making adjustments as needed.
- Adaptive Management: It is adaptive in nature, allowing for flexibility and adjustments based on the feedback from monitoring. If something is not working as expected, management strategies can be changed accordingly.
- Properly Managed Livestock: It frequently supports the use of cattle as a method to improve soil health and promote land regeneration in agricultural and ranching contexts. Grazing techniques that simulate natural herbivore behavior are widely used.
- Financial Planning: The economic viability of a land management enterprise is critical. Holistic management promotes meticulous financial planning and budgeting.
The goal of holistic management is to solve a wide range of issues, such as land degradation, desertification, and sustainable agriculture. It is frequently viewed as a means of balancing the requirements of people, profit, and the earth while taking into account the interdependence of ecological, social, and economic aspects. It has been lauded and criticized, and its effectiveness varies depending on the individual circumstances and the dedication of those executing it.
