Reconciling Africa's fragmented institutions of governance : a new approach to institution building; outcomes report

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2011-09

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Abstract

The study investigates the structural characteristics of traditional authority systems and assesses the extent to which African populations rely on traditional institutions and why. It also examines where and whether traditional institutions overlap with (or diverge from) democratic principles. The post-colonial state operates on the basis of modern (formal) institutions of governance, which are largely imported and often at odds with cultural values and socioeconomic realities in the traditional modes of production. It is highly challenging for policy to cater to population groups divided by fragmented economic and institutional systems. Trust by communities in traditional institutions is generally higher than in state institutions.

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RESOURCE ALLOCATION, INFORMAL SECTOR, TRADITIONAL CULTURE, HUMAN RIGHTS, CUSTOMARY LAW, COLONIALISM, LEGAL FRAMEWORK, DEMOCRATIZATION, POLITICAL STABILITY, GOVERNANCE, INSTITUTION BUILDING, KENYA, ETHIOPIA, SOMALILAND, SOUTH AFRICA, BOTSWANA, SOUTH OF SAHARA

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