ZIMBAWE: NORTHWEST CORNER
The more deserts spread, the less inhabitable our planet becomes. Characteristics include erosion of soil, the inability to retain water in the soil and when rain does come it washes even more soil away. Often times over-grazing has been the explanation. But what if hoofed animals can be part of the solution instead?
The African Center for Holistic Management uses cattle in a way that mimics the behaviour of grazing animals that created the savannas in the first place.
Cattle can be good for the soil if managed holistically
By keeping the herds together in a small space for a short time the hooves break up the hard ground so air and water can penetrate the soil. They trample down old grass, fertilise the area with their dung and urine and their grazing keeps perennial grasses healthy.
Sometimes yields have increased four-fold
