Sister Nature: The Education of an Optimistic Beekeeper

Kenyan beekeeper-turned-farmer Jess de Boer embarks on a decade-long journey to explore regenerative agriculture in the arid lands of Northern Kenya, connecting people with the dust beneath their feet and merging fact and science with wisdom.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 20 June 2023
Publisher: Jacaranda Books Art Music Ltd

The revolution will not take place indoors.

Kenyan beekeeper-turned-farmer Jess de Boer embarks upon a decade-long journey to find purpose and potential in the explosive world of regenerative agriculture.

From honey hunting in the last remaining pockets of rainforest in southern Ethiopia, to gardening in the depths of Kenya's largest slum, Jess takes you to the arid lands of Northern Kenya, where a group of pioneering farmers have begun to connect the people with the dust beneath their feet.

This is a journey into restorative action. Confronting the challenges of our stagnant education systems, unsustainable food production techniques, and the growing disconnect of our youth, de Boer merges fact and science with hard-won wisdom in this inspiring and accessible tale of proactivity and hope.

Jess de Boer's journey is a testament to the power of regenerative agriculture to create a more sustainable and equitable future. By reconnecting people with the land and the natural world, de Boer is demonstrating that we can build a more resilient and sustainable food system that benefits both the environment and the people who depend on it.

Through his experiences in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Northern Kenya, de Boer highlights the importance of education, community engagement, and sustainable farming practices in creating a more sustainable and equitable future. He also challenges the traditional Western model of agriculture, which is often focused on short-term profits and efficiency, and instead promotes a more holistic and regenerative approach that emphasizes the health of the soil, the biodiversity of the ecosystem, and the well-being of the people who work the land.

One of the key themes of de Boer's journey is the growing disconnect between young people and the natural world. He argues that our education systems, which are often focused on standardized testing and academic achievement, do not prioritize the development of critical thinking skills, environmental awareness, and a sense of responsibility towards the planet. This disconnect has led to a lack of interest in agriculture and a growing reliance on fast-food and processed foods, which are often harmful to both the environment and our health.

To address this issue, de Boer advocates for a more holistic and integrated approach to education that includes the study of environmental science, sustainable agriculture, and social justice. He believes that by teaching young people about the interconnectedness of the natural world and the importance of sustainable practices, we can inspire them to become the leaders of the next generation of regenerative agriculture.

Another important theme of de Boer's journey is the role of community engagement in creating a more sustainable and equitable food system. He argues that farmers and communities must work together to develop sustainable farming practices and to ensure that the benefits of agriculture are shared equitably. This requires a shift in power and a recognition of the importance of local knowledge and traditional practices in sustainable agriculture.

To achieve this, de Boer works with local communities to develop sustainable farming practices that are tailored to the specific needs and conditions of each community. He also advocates for the creation of community-owned farms and gardens, which can provide fresh, healthy food to underserved communities and create economic opportunities for local farmers.

In addition to his work in regenerative agriculture, de Boer is also a vocal advocate for social justice and human rights. He believes that the right to food, clean water, and a safe and healthy environment is a fundamental human right and that everyone should have access to these resources. He has worked with organizations such as the World Food Program and the United Nations to promote these rights and to advocate for the rights of marginalized communities, such as women, children, and indigenous peoples.

Overall, Jess de Boer's journey is a powerful and inspiring tale of hope and proactivity in the face of global challenges. By merging fact and science with hard-won wisdom, de Boer is demonstrating that we can build a more sustainable and equitable future by reconnecting people with the land and the natural world. His work in regenerative agriculture, education, and community engagement is a testament to the power of individual action and the importance of working together to create a more just and sustainable world.

Weight: 432g
Dimension: 162 x 242 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781914344046