Aohan Dryland Farming System. Proposal for the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) Programme
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Aohan County is located in the southeast of Chifeng City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China. It is the interface between China’s ancient farming culture and grassland culture. From 2001 to 2003, carbonized particles of foxtail and broomcorn millet were discovered by archaeologists in the “First Village of China”, Xinglongwa in Aohan County. These grains dating from 7700 to 8000 years ago are proved to be the earliest relics of cultivated foxtail and broomcorn millets known to the world. Be cause millets are grown on dryland slopes, their plant type is small, which makes it difficult to use mechanized farming methods. That’s why traditional techniques have prevailed until now. As a result, many skills and experiences have been accumulated over the long years of farming practice, and unique local dry farming cultures have been formed, including farming proverbs, food cultures and seasonal customs. These have been inherited for generations. Nevertheless, due to the effects of modern economic, social, and value changes, this traditional farming culture is facing threats and challenges from various sources. It is urgent to explore the values of this important system and protect itin a dynamic way.