Cruz P. auteur aut IRD Winkel Thierry auteur aut IRD Ledru Marie-Pierre auteur aut IRD Bernard C. auteur aut IRD Egan N. auteur aut IRD Swingedouw D. auteur aut IRD Joffre R. auteur aut IRD text journalArticle eng text/pdf reformatted digital access Archaeological research suggests significant human occupation in the arid Andean highlands during the 13th to 15th centuries, whereas paleoclimatic studies reveal prolonged drier and colder conditions during that period. Which subsistence strategy supported local societies in this harsh environment? Our field and aerial surveys of archaeological dwelling sites, granaries, and croplands provide the first evidence of extended pre-Hispanic agriculture supporting dense human populations in the arid Andes of Bolivia. This unique agricultural system associated with quinoa cultivation was unirrigated, consisting of simple yet extensive landscape modifications. It relied on highly specific environmental knowledge and a set of water-saving practices, including microterracing and biennial fallowing. This intense agricultural activity developed during a period of unfavorable climatic change on a regional and global scale, illustrative of efficient adaptive strategies to cope with this climatic change. specialized ANDES 106 076 112 021 126 3 12 e1701740 [11 ] 2017 2375-2548 https://www.documentation.ird.fr/hor/fdi:010072442 10.1126/sciadv.1701740 2375-2548 [F B010072442] https://www.documentation.ird.fr/hor/fdi:010072442 https://horizon.documentation.ird.fr/exl-doc/pleins_textes/divers18-03/010072442.pdf IRD - Base Horizon / Pleins textes 2018-04-03 2023-07-11 fdi:010072442 fre