tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6537965748256551796.post4029611609833441067..comments2023-09-24T10:19:01.383+01:00Comments on John's Green Issues: Goats not to blame for desertification? Oh yes they are!Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14197399895034972279noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6537965748256551796.post-3984387299951010042006-12-08T15:43:00.000+00:002006-12-08T15:43:00.000+00:00Further to my comments on your previous blog on th...Further to my comments on your previous blog on this crucial matter, well done and please pursue!<br><br>The development/farm chariddees are clearly rattled because they have been caught cynically latching onto a cheap'n'easy way of squeezing Xmas cash out of a jaded public. Whether or not the actual interests of the 'third world' communities are served by them having OUR chosen presents - have them they MUST - marketing and PR budgets are at stake here!<br><br>Fools rush in. But those with broader, longer experience of the world need to step forward now and make the case for restraint in foistering with even more livestock upon already over-stressed landscapes.<br><br>Where's the Xmas gift of some basic contraception? Ooh er, way too intrusive!!! But hey - here's more goats, goats, goats....Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6537965748256551796.post-61158432146322375792006-12-21T10:49:00.000+00:002006-12-21T10:49:00.000+00:00Where's the Xmas gift of some basic contraception?...<i>Where's the Xmas gift of some basic contraception?</i><br><br>Errr.... try <a href="http://www.oxfamunwrapped.com/ProductItem.aspx?ProductID=OU2625">here</a> in the same catalogue as the goats? <br><br>You'd think with all this fuss over goat programmes that they were the be all and end all of charity gift projects. There are plenty of other types projects to invest in, most of which don't actually involve livestock.<br><br>I would be insulted if I got an Oxfam unwrapped gift and it turned out to be a goat, mainly because it would show how lazy and unimaginative the giver was.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6537965748256551796.post-16869911553491406942007-02-06T10:12:00.000+00:002007-02-06T10:12:00.000+00:00I think what is missing here is a recognition that...I think what is missing here is a recognition that many of these charities have been working in these areas of Africa for a long time. Projects are often highly attuned to the needs and culture of local people, and recognise the value of local knowledge and skills. Of course population growth is the major issue, but in an environment such as this you cannot simply say that they need less livestock. As Farm Africa pointed out, this is the best and only means of survival for many families. So is it the people or the environment that are top priority? Most development projects aim at sustainability, which involves both human and environmental concerns over the long term.<br><br>Also, it is not that these projects are ignoring the issues of population growth and AIDS etc, but poverty is both a cause and effect of these. What's more, you cannot simply say 'Here's a free condom, use it, it will be better in the long run.' There are often cultural reasons why people won't use contraception, as well as a need for education and provision of contraceptives that development organisations recognise and do address. Having lots of children is also a coping strategy for many poor families.<br><br>Perhaps promoting goats is not the best way forwards, but I think it's naive to criticise those organisations who have much experience in development and are not ignorant when it comes to environmental issues.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6537965748256551796.post-2093431663258497762007-02-06T14:31:00.000+00:002007-02-06T14:31:00.000+00:00But this still ignores the fact that many of the a...But this still ignores the fact that many of the aid charities are promoting the use of livestock in arid areas where it will continue to cause environmental degradation. As far as I have been able to ascertain, none of the aid agencies have ever carried out full environmental impact assessments (EIAs) of their projects, and I do not believe that any are monitoring the long term impacts of their projects on the environment. I don't think it is adequate to state they are working with local communities, and that they know best. Once aid agencies start interfering in the local economy, they surely have a duty to carry out proper monitoring of ALL potentially negative impacts of such aid.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6537965748256551796.post-15720256020384615932007-04-03T13:34:00.000+01:002007-04-03T13:34:00.000+01:00Does anyone know of any scientific studies demonst...Does anyone know of any scientific studies demonstrating the impacts of goats of the environment?- I would be very interested to know what the outcomes show- it seems logical to assume that they can contribute to environmental degradation and desertification- but if you want to convince the public you have to be armed with proof...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6537965748256551796.post-22171824323750215362007-04-03T13:42:00.000+01:002007-04-03T13:42:00.000+01:00The United Nations FAO site is a good starting poi...The United Nations FAO site is a good starting point, and Google Scholar produces referenceAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com