9
Agroecological Farming Systems in
China
Li Wenhua
The Philosophy and Technology Related to IFS in
Ancient China
Though the term integrated farming system (IFS) has been formally used for no
more than 30 years, some primitive philosophy and technologies for implementa-
tion of this system can be traced back to ancient times (Tang, 1988; Tang, 1990;
Li, 1993; Zhang et al, 1996).
Influence of ancient philosophical ideas on development of
IFS
For thousands of years, Chinese philosophers have pondered on the harmonious
relationship between humans, nature and the environment. The Tian Ren He Yi
theory (heaven/nature and human/society are merged into one unit) had great influ-
ence among Chinese people and formed the roots of China’s IFS. The most vigorous
and flourishing development of the integrated concept was in the Spring and Autumn
to Warring States period (720–221 BC). A set of systematic principles for the manage-
ment of the relationships between man and the environment was formulated. For
example, in a famous treatise, Zhou Yi (The Book of Change), a brief but deeply
philosophical concept of the holistic relationship between Tian (heaven or nature),
Di (earth or resources) and Ren (humans or society) was described. Respect for Dao-Li
(natural relationship with the universe, geography, climate, etc.), Shi-Li (planning
and management of human activities, such as agriculture, warfare, politics, family
and others), and Qing-Li (ecological ethics, psychology, motives and values towards
the environment) became a general principle for managing all social and productive
Reprinted from Chapter 3 ‘Historical Review,’ pp23–36, in Li Wenhua, Agro-Ecological Farming Sys-
tems in China, Man and the Biosphere Series Volume 26. Copyright © 2001 UNESCO/Parthenon
Publishing Group.