彝人先民的生产方式是刀耕火种，1956年凉山民主改革以后，在政府的帮助下逐渐过渡到马拉牛犁的生产方式，这种方式一直延续到今天。生产方式的存续与其经济发展水平和自然环境因素是分不开的。布拖的乡村，特别是衣某、西溪河的高山上，道路崎岖，耕种土地大多是坡地，根本无法进行机械化耕作。据说，凉山州各级政府为了改变居住在高山上的彝人的生活环境，曾经鼓励动员他们迁往山下的平坝里定居，但没有得到彝人们的响应。我很理解彝人固守家园的心境。或许俗成的生活方式和习惯使他们不愿意割舍某种情感。在城里人看来十分落后的方式，或许正是他们与土地共生共存的依赖。
　　马拉牛犁这种生产方式对应当下社会的飞速发展显得非常的原始落后。但是，我们换一种角度来看，这种生产方式在这个特定的地理环境中，又显得那样的和谐自然。它不产生环境污染，更没有日益缺乏的能源消费，他们世世代代维系着人与自然的相承相依，生活固然清贫，但平和而实在。
　　如今这里的彝人继续着马拉牛犁的生产方式。每年春天种下土豆、荞麦之类物种，就心安理得的等待天老爷下雨，然后发芽、开花、结果。收成如何？天老爷说了算。
　　大凉山腹地的气候干燥寒冷,变化无常。2006年4月13日，早上7点我直赴衣某，漫天的大雾，最低温度零下3℃，山上的灌木枝头结起了冰凌。彝人们生起柴火在村头路边取暖。上午10点刚过，太阳拨开浓雾，雾渐渐散去，露出了村庄和山峦。11点气温骤升到28℃，温差之大让人难以承受。当地人讲，已经很久没下雨了，种下的土豆等待着一场春雨的滋润。刹时狂风大作，乡村土路上刮起阵阵黄土随风飞扬，当地人对干旱的气候已习以为常。
　　
　　　　From Slash-and-burn to Horse-draw-and-ox-plough

　　The former Yi used the primitive slash-and-burn methods in their production activities. Since democratic reform in 1956, under government support and assistance, the Yi have gradually progressed to the horse-draw-and-ox-plough methods till today. The continuity in production mode is closely related to the economic development level and factors of natural conditions. The townships and villages in Butuo, particularly in Yimao and Xixihe districts, are located on high and rugged mountainous areas, fortunately, there is no way to adapt modern mechanic means to cultivate on the steep and rough farm land there. It is said that the local government on different levels in Liangshan prefecture once tried hard to call on and encourage the Yi to move from the high mountains to settle down on the valley plans. Their efforts received little response from the Yi. I perfectly understand their reluctance to leave their old homeland. Maybe, their existing life style and customs are cast in cement. Their special feelings of coexistence and mutual reliance with the land where they live, and reluctance to give up their old ways are regarded by many urban people as primitive and backward.
　　Unfortunately, the horse-draw-and ox-plough way illustrates a sharp contrast with rapidly developing modern society. Nevertheless, if we review it from another angle, we will find it so natural and harmonious with the special geographical environment. It creates no pollution and assumes no ever decreasing natural resources of energy. Generation after generation, they carry on the heritage and relationship of mutual reliance between man and nature. Life is difficult but viable and peaceful there.

文章来源：《布拖记事---大凉山腹地彝人生活实录》