Recognizing indigenous farming practices for sustainability: a narrative analysis of key elements and drivers in a Chinese dryland terrace system

Terraced systems are time-tested agricultural landscapes that host multiple societal values, but they are largely overlooked and challenged by land-use changes. We described and analysed the key elements and driving forces of change in a dryland terrace system in China through the narratives of 31 local farmers. We identified 16 key system elements related to farming tools, agricultural inputs, crops and diets and constructions. We distinguished the newly adopted and inherited elements and revealed relationships of complementarity or substitution among them. Land abandonment, the introduction of external inputs and dual-track farming, the mechanization of farming and the simplification of the farming calendar were identified as the main systemic changes. We discuss the importance of dynamic adaption process by integrating new elements with active traditional knowledge. We stress that local networks and the necessity of collective action in-and-outside the local community are crucial to preserve terraced systems. We suggest that understanding local perceptions of change and specific customs should be taken into consideration in policy making processes. We highlight the role of the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems initiative (GIAHS), especially in the aspect of empowering farmers to activate the interaction and integration of inherited and newly adopted elements.