International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

author(s)
Papiya Dutta, Lilika K Zhimomi and Moayanger AO

abstract
The Phom tribe of Longleng district, Nagaland employs traditional jhum cultivation with culturally-adapted tools made from bamboo, wood, and iron. These implements support agriculture in challenging terrain while preserving indigenous knowledge systems. However, modernization pressures, youth migration from agricultural sectors, and climate variability threaten both the tools and the transmission of associated knowledge. A mixed-methods study was conducted across five villages using surveys (n=100) and in-depth interviews with 20 elders and artisan. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS (descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA, Chi-square tests); qualitative data through NVivo 12 thematic analysis. The study identified eleven traditional tools used in jhum cultivation. Age turned out to be a significant predictor of preservation beliefs (ANOVA F=5.62, df=2, p<0.01; ?²=10.50, p<0.01); farmers over 45 showed much stronger support than the 18-30 age group. Community support for preservation was surprisingly high at 97%, though 83% of young people showed little interest and 70% cited modernization pressure as a threat. When traditional tools were compared to modern equivalents, the traditional versions produced lower environmental impact. These findings suggest that Phom Naga traditional tools represent sustainable agricultural knowledge that needs urgent attention. Youth engagement programs, support for artisans, digital documentation, hybrid tool development, and policy frameworks like a Traditional Tools Bank could help preserve this knowledge