Growing Food in a Hotter, Drier Land: Lessons from Desert Farmers on Adapting to Climate Uncertainty

It's obvious to those of us who spend time lots of time in the outdoor world, that our planet is seeing some radical changes from climate change (you can deny or censor climate change all you want -- it won't change reality). Anyone who has tried to garden and grow food knows it's already a constant battle, and that it's going to be tougher, not easier where weather is even more unpredictable, where extreme weather events are the norm, and where there is not enough--or too much--water. This book is the first I've seen which attempts to think through how to select the plants and crops for an environmentally uncertain era, and tries to learn from human history (not a stranger to figuring out how to adapt to changing weather) on how to adapt to human caused climate change--which is happening, whether or not we are willing to acknowledge it. As someone who has been in a more temperate climate (California), but has seen major, major drought conditions over the last few years, the lessons and techniques Nabhan covers from a more arid climate might give you some ideas and inspiration on what to try even in the face of unrelenting drought, water restrictions, and an uncertain weather environment, and also helps you to maybe understand and perhaps adapt in our uncertain future. Highly recommended for those looking to take action and figure out maybe one way to help our species (along with all the others we depend on in this world) to find a new way forward in an era of uncertainty.

This is not a harangue; this is a primer on what to do now. No judgments, no accusations; simply a series of pathways to survival. Even though much of the detail does not apply to the average reader, but primarily to someone with a fair amount of land and the inclination and energy to use it in the most productive possible way, there are still nuggets of inspiration to be found in every chapter. Aha moments: Everyone can utilize an olla. Everyone can implement the planting patterns where one plant protects and nurtures the others. And for the serious food-producer, the directions are immaculately described. No hazy, unclear descriptions - this is an instruction sheet of the most useful sort. Nabhan's multi-cultural knowledge is of endless value and his experiences with various native agricultures, many of which he has referenced in earlier works, have finally percolated down to this ultra-specific DIY manual.

Too much story telling and repetitive stuff and not NEARLY enough a) do this b) then do this (and do them these possible ways) c) then do that (etc). I feel like I got a grand total of THREE good tips out of the book, summarized by the pictures, after closely reading the first half and then repeatedly flipping through the second half. Too dense without enough practical advice.

This book was fantastic. It was exactlly what I expeccted and includied tips, techniques, and references to plants that would do well in the desert. Living in the desert of Arizona this book is a very handy reference for things you can do to help be a better desrt gardener. I don't read too many books cover to cover in less than a week but this was one I did, and thouroughly enjoyed. I was in my bed at night with a flashlight reading this book. It is an easy read and I reccomend it.

I live in the Mojave Desert, and this book has me seeing the landscape differently than I had before. Living in hot, dry climates is not easy living; but with with what the author shares here, it is very possible. No, I do not plan on subsistence living in the desert, but I do strangely feel a little more at ease with the region I live in.

I should have paid more attention to prior reviews. I couldn’t get past the AGW pablum - too thick, way too thick. I too am living in a desert - I don’t need to be told that it’s my fault that the desert is hot and dry and that somehow a carbon tax is going to solve all of my problems (my implication of the bottom line of the AGW speel and not a suggestion by the author; but, it seems that in all public discourse taxes follow AGW). There might be some great info on farming in hot and dry climates but I’ll likely pass on reading and never get to the point where that kicks in - probably my loss. Or, the bigger picture: it’s a loss for the global community. I guess I’ll just keep on planting trees....

Whatever anyone thinks the cause is, the world is getting hotter, and some of it much dryer. This book is a great companion in this quest to farm for us those of us living in these areas where conventional wisdom no longer works because things ARE changing. The Author draws upon the wisdom of native peoples and forward looking sustainable farmers throughout the world in a fascinating read that encorporates anthropology and ethnobotany with a lot of very good ideas on how to keep food production going in these changing dry climates. Highly recommended.

This text is very well researched and the author certainly knows his subject matter. As someone trying to improve a semi-arid property in south Texas, this text gives practical growing and farming advice gathered from around the world. I like it so much, I bought a second copy for my cousin who is farther along in developing her property. She employs some of the techniques discussed and illustrated in the text but it has many more wonderful ideas. Buy this book!

good book

Useful and informative

I thought this might be dry, difficult and scholarly but, in fact it was an easy read. With so little available on this important topic it's good to see something hands on and practical. The parallels drawn by the author are both fascinating and instructive; he examines archaeological and contemporary evidence to come up with solutions that anyone can use... anywhere.As we all face a hotter, drier climate it's valuable to consider the practices of traditional desert farmers who are already feeling the effects of climate change and are attempting to adapt to it. The section on the cumulative effects of insufficient chill factor is worth the cost of the book on its own, it's not something most of us consider in any depth.The section on establishing terraced was interesting and practical though perhaps overlong if, like me you have no use for terracing in a flat landscape.This is a book for thoughtful gardeners, horticulturalists and farmers everywhere, extremely practical with useful lists of plants and resources.Well worth the money !

Very good