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<p>This study examines the utility patterns of traditional agricultural and fishing tools (TAFTs) and explores how changes in their utilization influence rural livelihoods and ecological sustainability in Kamrup district of Assam, India. Amid rapid modernization, TAFTs continue to represent important repositories of indigenous knowledge and cultural heritage. Using a mixed-methods approach comprising household surveys, oral interviews, focus group discussions, and a Utility Importance Index (UII), the study evaluates the historical significance, current utility and socio-ecological implications of TAFTs. The findings reveal a significant decline in the use of most traditional tools between 2010 and 2024. Agricultural tools such as ploughs, yokes, <i>dheki</i>, and <i>japi</i> recorded severe reductions in utility, while fishing tools including <i>khaloi</i>, <i>polo</i>, <i>boroshi</i>, and <i>sewali</i> nets also experienced substantial declines. Paired sample t-tests confirmed that these reductions were statistically significant. The transition from traditional to modern technologies has contributed to the erosion of traditional occupations and community practices, while increasing dependence on mechanized farming, chemical inputs, and intensive fishing methods, with potential consequences for soil health, biodiversity, and ecological sustainability. The study highlights the need for policies that integrate indigenous knowledge with contemporary innovations to strengthen rural livelihoods, conserve cultural heritage, and promote environmentally sustainable development.</p>

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Changing use of traditional agricultural and fishing tools and their influence on rural livelihoods and ecology in Kamrup District of Assam, India

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年7月20日

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  • Armina Aktara,
  • Manash Jyoti Bhuyan,
  • Nityananda Deka,
  • Nazneen Akhtar

摘要

This study examines the utility patterns of traditional agricultural and fishing tools (TAFTs) and explores how changes in their utilization influence rural livelihoods and ecological sustainability in Kamrup district of Assam, India. Amid rapid modernization, TAFTs continue to represent important repositories of indigenous knowledge and cultural heritage. Using a mixed-methods approach comprising household surveys, oral interviews, focus group discussions, and a Utility Importance Index (UII), the study evaluates the historical significance, current utility and socio-ecological implications of TAFTs. The findings reveal a significant decline in the use of most traditional tools between 2010 and 2024. Agricultural tools such as ploughs, yokes, dheki, and japi recorded severe reductions in utility, while fishing tools including khaloi, polo, boroshi, and sewali nets also experienced substantial declines. Paired sample t-tests confirmed that these reductions were statistically significant. The transition from traditional to modern technologies has contributed to the erosion of traditional occupations and community practices, while increasing dependence on mechanized farming, chemical inputs, and intensive fishing methods, with potential consequences for soil health, biodiversity, and ecological sustainability. The study highlights the need for policies that integrate indigenous knowledge with contemporary innovations to strengthen rural livelihoods, conserve cultural heritage, and promote environmentally sustainable development.