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9 - Preserving Nature

from Part III - The Big Ideas

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 August 2026

Sanjoy Sanyal
Affiliation:
Judge Business School, University of Cambridge
Jaideep Prabhu
Affiliation:
Judge Business School, University of Cambridge
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Summary

Mindless destruction of nature in the name of economic development is making the impact of climate change far worse. We can ally with nature to improve food security among the most vulnerable people. The debate around regenerative farming is somewhat pointless: while using fewer chemicals can improve soil health and biodiversity, it can also reduce yields. The trick is to strike a balance based on the local soil health and nutrient levels. In general, farmers in productive areas of the world overuse fertilisers, while in Africa yields need to improve urgently. Numerous low-cost techniques such as agro-forestry, composting, cover cropping, and managed grazing can reduce the need for expensive chemical inputs. Their effective implementation requires sustained organisation, education, and coordination, best conducted by local organisations. These organisations need to be supported by small amounts of capital for long periods of time. Nature can be restored with perseverance and patience.

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  • Preserving Nature
  • Sanjoy Sanyal, Judge Business School, University of Cambridge, Jaideep Prabhu, Judge Business School, University of Cambridge
  • Book: Will We Go Hungry?
  • Online publication: 08 August 2026
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009762380.012
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  • Preserving Nature
  • Sanjoy Sanyal, Judge Business School, University of Cambridge, Jaideep Prabhu, Judge Business School, University of Cambridge
  • Book: Will We Go Hungry?
  • Online publication: 08 August 2026
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009762380.012
Available formats
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Save book to Google Drive

To save content items to your account, please confirm that you agree to abide by our usage policies. If this is the first time you use this feature, you will be asked to authorise Cambridge Core to connect with your account. Find out more about saving content to Google Drive.

  • Preserving Nature
  • Sanjoy Sanyal, Judge Business School, University of Cambridge, Jaideep Prabhu, Judge Business School, University of Cambridge
  • Book: Will We Go Hungry?
  • Online publication: 08 August 2026
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009762380.012
Available formats
×