Holistic Management: A New Framework for Decision Making [Paperback]

Allan Savory (Author), Jody Butterfield (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1, 1998 | ISBN-10: 155963488X | ISBN-13: 978-1559634885 | Edition: 2nd

This work shows that on the most fundamental level, environmental problems are cuased by human management decisions rather than the commonly blamed culprits of environmental degradation, overpopulation, poor farming practices and lack of financial support. In considering humans, their economies and the environment as inseparable, the holistic management approach is intended as a revolutionary decision-making framework. It has been practised by thousands of people around the world to profitably restore and promote the health of their land, and the book is aimed at anyone involved with any form of environmental and resource management who is seeking to make better decisions.

Product Details

• Paperback: 644 pages
• Publisher: Island Press; 2nd edition (December 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 155963488X
• ISBN-13: 978-1559634885
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 1.3 x 9.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #318,881 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 34 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars More for less July 17, 2000

By B. A. Moseley

Format:Paperback

Two ranches of the same size each have 1000 cows. One ranch is overgrazed, but the other is able to add another 500 cows and still have grass. A decade later, the last ranch buys the first one and can carry 3400 cows on both places combined. How does this work? What makes the difference? This book goes into details.

Allan Savory writes on a vast subject, yet clearly conveys the important ideas behind creating and maintaining a healthy ecosystem. By training a Zoologist, the former tracker, wildlife manager, rancher, legislator, and now educator - Savory draws from his experiences as both a doer and a teacher to illuminate his points.

One key item Savory covers that is not covered in many other similar books is how and when to monitor and what to look for once a course of action is decided upon. The section on monitoring is worth the price of the book.

Ranchers, wildlife biologists, members of boards of trustees, as well as those concerned about DOING something about environmental degradation will find Savory engaging, challenging, and informative. People who have never been exposed to the ideas behind the central role of hoofed animals in ecological health will be the most suprised.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Manage Cattle, Manage Your Life August 16, 2002

By "jruedisu"

Format:Paperback

I began reading Savory's book for a research project into ecological cattle management. Once I began reading it, I couldn't put it down, and I'm glad I didn't. Not only did the book teach me everything I could possibly want to know about Savory's cattle management methodology, but it gave a great perspective for managing life. I would recommend this book to anyone, especially people interested in any type of management (business or ecological) or anyone interested in environmental studies.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars more than cows and grass October 19, 1999

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

This book is about making decisions that consider the whole enchillada -- human values, activities that are consistent with the values, and restoring, preserving, and acquiring the resources to make it all come together. It's good for individuals, families, organizations or governments to manage effectively. It is similar to other decision processes, yet different. It's truly holistic!