The culture of eating grains has a deep connection with the origin of this area; Tokushima Prefecture’s ancient name “Awa” is said to have come from Awa (foxtail millet) grown in the burnt filed. The production of grains with a long history since the Jomon period declined in many parts of Japan due to the introduction of rice farming to Japan. However, in the Nishi-Awa area where there is little land suitable to make paddy fields, grains used to be grown by slash-and-burn cultivation, and they are still grown and utilized for the people’s daily lives today.

It is difficult to run large-scale farming on slopes, so the people here have been cultivating small quantities of a large variety of foods; they have been basically self-sufficient for their food. Also, farm products to be grown are different between Hinoji and Kageji, so they exchange products they harvested to make each other’s diet rich.

Today those products are sold at farmers markets for people outside the area to enjoy the blessings of the steep sloping fields and make their living colorful.

Various agricultural products such as Goushuimo potatoes are harvested on the well-drained steep sloping fields. Specialty products and processed goods branded with “Nishi-Awa” have been collecting attention. In addition, there are regional attractions for tourists, such as programs to experience the lifestyle and food culture of the people living in the severe nature through activities in the farmers’ restaurants and private inns.