Against the Grain: How Farmers Around the Globe Are Transforming Agriculture To Nourish the World and Heal the Planet

Journalist Thurow (The First 1,000 Days: A Crucial Time for Mothers and Children—and the World) explores the impact of modern agricultural practices on small farms in locations around the world. He demonstrates that many practices currently being used to increase agricultural production are instead reducing soil fertility, altering weather patterns, and leading to decreased agricultural output. This narrative is engaging and respectful; at each location, Thurow introduces readers to individual smallholder farmers who tell their stories. In addition to spotlighting problematic agricultural practices and their impacts—the clearing of forests and reliance on monoculture, which led to drought and famine, for example—he describes the remedial practices that have, in many cases, restored soil fertility and created productive, sustainable farms. This book also addresses malnutrition caused by drought and famine; practices for ensuring that children, especially, have access to all the nutrients they need are clearly described. Backmatter includes extensive source notes.