The Veg Safari by Vaishali Shah describes her amazing journey as a passionate advocate of vegetarianism in Kenya and the detailed reasons put forth by her for the world to embrace vegetarianism. The book explores the compelling need for the world to turn vegetarian today. The choice to turn wholly vegan or vegetarian is not dictated by moral or ethical concerns alone, nor is it an attempt to convince anyone using religious mumbo jumbo. The book presents many case studies to back its claims and the author has spent many years studying the effect of the meat industry.
Foremost among the many consequences of a flesh based diet is its effect on one’s health. If that is an individual concern, then the dwindling nature of earth’s precious resources is certainly a cause for collective concern of all nations. The poor nations are hit the hardest as land and water which can be used to eradicate hunger and mal nutrition are diverted to grow fodder for cattle which will eventually end up on the lunch plates of only those who can afford it. Locals can be convinced on the need to move away from animal-based foods if alternate methods can be explained to them. Also cultivating farms and growing more food will improve their own health index as also bring in some revenue and employment.
Planting trees, donating seeds, cultivating vegetables are all helpful in improving the health and productivity of the nation. The book raises various pertinent queries and addresses the concerns of all readers and is backed by case studies that help it to connect with the readers easily. It is a dream to see a healthy, nourished and prosperous Kenya in the not too distant future and this book is an attempt to create that golden future.