Socio-cultural Heritage Research Articles

Conflicts and competing interests in infrastructure development: A case of N2 toll road project, wild coast, South Africa

The Wild Coast region in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa, is arguably the least developed area, primarily due to its historical marginalisation caused by Apartheid. To counter this underdevelopment, the current government of South Africa plans to implement a 550 km N2 Toll Road Project to link East London in the Eastern Cape with Durban in KwaZulu-Natal. The government envisions that the project will lead to spatial development through improved accessibility to resources. However, it has been criticised by many, including local communities and environmental advocacy groups, who contend that it will result in socio-ecological disasters and conflicts. Against this backdrop, this study explored the differing views and conflicts among stakeholders affected by the N2 Toll Road Project. A qualitative research approach was adopted, involving in-depth interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs) with government officials, local communities, business communities, and environmental advocacy groups. The findings indicate that the N2 Toll Road Project has generated significant controversy, with public opinion sharply divided between those who believe the road will have predominantly positive impacts and those who contend that its effects will be overwhelmingly negative. Concerns regarding the disruption of livelihoods, loss of land, destruction of socio-cultural heritage, and lack of consultation emerged as key sources of conflict among stakeholders. The study recommends the use of inclusive consultation processes and mitigation strategies to minimise conflicting ideologies among stakeholders.

Empowering Indigenous Communities: The Pursuit of Quality Education and Peaceful Societies

Educational Institutions in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) fervently advocate for Indigenous Peoples (IP) and Peace Studies Education in higher learning, aligning with the CHED Regional Memorandum No. 56 of 2023. The University of Baguio and other Higher Educational institutions actively integrate IP and Peace Studies into their academic programs. This paper addresses two objectives: explaining cultural misappropriation and introducing the Cordillera Heritage Project to address this issue. This study utilizes a qualitative-descriptive research method by participating in the different programs under Project Cordillera heritage. Project HERITAGE (Higher Education Regional Integration and Teaching of Appropriate, Genuine, and Exhaustive Studies on Indigenous Peoples) is a collaboration between the University of Baguio, CHED CAR, and regional Higher Education Institutions. It introduces Cordillera Heritage as a foundational course, Cordillera Heritage 101: ‘History and Socio-cultural Heritage’, preserving Cordilleran identity through knowledge, systems, practices, settlements and institutions. The Cordillera Heritage stands as a living legacy, relevant in contemporary society and vital to the region’s history. It culminates in the Cordillera Heritage Workbook, which enhances educational materials and includes faculty immersion and training services. The University of Baguio’s proactive approach earned commendation from the Commission on Higher Education for being the first to offer Cordillera Heritage 101 across all programs. The institution’s commitment reflects in successfully implementing the first regional HERITAGE Faculty Immersion Training Service, showcasing its dedication. The Cordillera Heritage Project responds to regional educational needs by integrating subjects that respect and promote Cordilleran knowledge, values, and culture. Aligned with the aspirations for autonomy and self-determination in Cordillera communities, this course is a significant step toward preserving and promoting the region’s heritage within the educational landscape.

From wild ecosystem to the pharmaceutical use–exploring the traditional medicine and socio-cultural heritage of macrofungi from Pakistan

ABSTRACT Medicinal macrofungi, like prized plants and animals, have dietary, therapeutic and commercial significance. This knowledge, anchored in the traditional healthcare system, warrants the identification of the most prominent species harbouring novel natural products. A traditional ethnobiological approach was adopted to collect ethnomycological data by interviewing 110 informants (95 men and 15 women) inhabiting 10 settlements in Bannu District, Pakistan. Visiting the remote nomadic sites revealed the most unique data of its type. This data was assessed and correlated with previous studies, comparing the standard numerical indices: informant consensus factor, fidelity level, use value, relative frequency of citation and Jaccard index. Tradition medicinal uses of 30 species of wild macrofungi (belonging to 19 genera and 12 families) are documented here. Podaxis pistillaris macrofungi was preference ranked with priority therapeutic uses, medicinally for stomach problems, as an antipyretic, for erotic uses, as an immune booster and as an antidiabetic; it is also nutritionally significant. Temperature and humidity are key factors for the growth of macrofungi generally in Pakistan (in spring and during the monsoon season), while the dynamic frequency of rain in the rainy season due to the impact of climate change cannot be neglected. Indigenous communities divided the ethnomycological potential of macrofungi into three main clusters: (a) edible macrofungi, for treating various disorders and as nutritional supplements; (b) non-edible macrofungi, medicinally important or just poisonous; (c) unknown or unused, without any known utility. Importantly, eight novel species with traditional uses are reported here, and the present work is the first ethnomycological study of macrofungi from Pakistan. This research aims to trace the traditional knowledge related to the naturally occurring medicinal macrofungi in the Bannu District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Documentation of new medicinal species and novel uses of existing species reflect a healthy relationship between inhabitants of the Bannu District and wild medicinal macrofungi.

LE GENRE AU PRISME DE LA TERRITORIALISATION DES POLITIQUES PUBLIQUES SPORTIVES AU SENEGAL LE PARADOXE DAKAROIS

Sport is one of the pillars of public policy in Senegal, as defined in law n°84-59 on the sports charter. It is based on three pillars: mass practice, physical education and competitive sport. The consideration of sport by local authorities is a significant reality. However, the field of sport in Senegal is still marked by disparities and inequalities, both horizontal and vertical (Diatta, 2007), in all sectors in general and particularly in mass sport where inequalities are especially evident from a gender perspective. Indeed, apart from a socio-cultural heritage more or less hostile to the practice of sport, especially instituted due to the norms of hegemonic femininity, traditional and religious norms (Ndongo, 2017), it is clear that the inadequacies linked to the territorialisation of sports policies seem to constitute a significant determinant of these inequalities. This article proposes to analyse the territorialisation of sports policies from the point of view of their relationship with gender in the department of Dakar. The aim is to reflect on the means, strategies and actions mobilised to promote competitive sport among women in Senegal.

The Plights of West-African Students in Turkish Universities: A Case Study of Gaziantep University

Like any other Western country, Turkiye is becoming an educational destination for many international students, especially Africans. Therefore, Turkiye emphasizes universities' internationalization, which brought rapid success to its political and economic trends. Therefore, this present study investigated the plights of West African students in Turkish universities, specifically focusing on the West African students at Gaziantep University. The study is based on a qualitative research design with a case study approach. This study used interviews and observation to collect data from 12 participants—one participant at least from each of the 10 West African countries presently active at Gaziantep University. The data collected were qualitatively analyzed based on common themes designed for this study. According to the findings of this current study, the language and prejudice of locals against West African students and the country they come from where the enormous challenges they faced while at Gaziantep University. Concerning these findings, the present study recommends addressing the problems mentioned earlier, such as special orientation programs organized by the university and other relevant bodies, which should be delivered by university staff familiar with Africans' socio-cultural heritage and economic and political background. Likewise, scholarships and financial support from the government and other relevant authorities should be given to West African students to overcome the financial problems they encountered during their stay at Gaziantep University

The Dark Side of Indonesia’s Democracy: Does Pancasila still hold influence?

Indonesia's transition to democracy has been celebrated globally, yet beneath the surface lies a complex interplay between democratic principles and the enduring influence of Pancasila, the state ideology. This paper delves into the less-explored facets of Indonesia's democracy, probing whether Pancasila still exerts significant influence in shaping the country's political landscape. The analysis begins by contextualizing Indonesia's democratic journey, tracing its evolution from the authoritarian era to the present. It then examines the foundational principles of Pancasila and their historical significance, emphasizing its role as a unifying force amidst Indonesia's diverse socio-cultural landscape. Drawing on recent political developments, the paper investigates instances where Pancasila's influence intersects with democratic ideals, as well as instances where tensions arise. It explores how Pancasila has been invoked both to promote national unity and to justify restrictions on dissent and minority rights. Furthermore, the paper assesses the implications of Pancasila's enduring influence on Indonesia's democratic governance, particularly in relation to issues of political pluralism, freedom of expression, and minority rights. It highlights the challenges of reconciling Pancasila's collectivist ethos with democratic principles of individual rights and freedoms. Through this analysis, the paper contributes to a deeper understanding of Indonesia's democracy by shedding light on its complexities and contradictions. It underscores the need for critical reflection on the role of Pancasila in shaping democratic norms and practices, urging for a nuanced approach that upholds democratic principles while honoring Indonesia's unique socio-cultural heritage.

Rammohun Roy and the ‘Conservative’ Overtones of His Liberal Sociopolitical Agenda

Rammohun Roy, the liberal reformer of the early nineteenth century, and perhaps the first Indian to comprehensively embrace the ideal of modernity, encountered a volley of criticisms during his lifetime and beyond. Of all this, the twin charges, that is, his reformist project denigrated India’s ancient sociocultural heritage and he acted as an unconscious tool of the British Empire in India, have recently gathered a new momentum in the context of the changing dynamics of Indian politics. This article seeks to engage with this line of argument by examining the political, social and religious dimensions of Roy’s thought and action. It is accepted that he was inspired by the ideals of Western modernity, which, he believed, held the key to the long-term intellectual, sociocultural, political and economic development of the Indians. He also supported the continuation of British rule at least for a period of time to allow wider dissemination of these progressive values in India and to pave the way for its all-round advance. It is contended, however, that neither did he intend to undermine India’s classical heritage, nor did he favour mindless aping of the West. On the contrary, he took ample care to integrate indigenous sociocultural components into his proposed roadmap for the future. Thus, his liberal agenda had evident ‘conservative’ underpinnings that arguably put a new spin on the idea of modernity.

Manifesting smart tourism destinations: A study based on selected Himalayan cities in India

In urban planning, the term smartness is considered as a philosophic dimension which enables smarter strategic decisions and directions. The involvement of information technology in the functioning of the daily life of cities is directed towards the development of smart cities. Smart tourism destinations can also implement smartness by employing suitable tourism applications within a smart city. The purpose of the study is to explore the enabling factors for establishing smart tourism destinations in the Indian Himalayas. This research used a qualitative methodology and conducted interviews with relevant stakeholders from the study areas, Jammu and Dharamshala. The data collected were recorded, transcribed and coded with the help of NVivo 12, in order to carry out thematic and content analysis. The findings of the study showcase that community welfare, information communication technology, quality of life, sociocultural heritage, stewardship, sustainable development and tourism resources are the enabling factors for smart tourism destinations in the context of the selected Himalayan cities in India. This study will be beneficial for destination managers for assessing destination smartness, and further, for researchers who want to study smart tourism destinations.

The Role of Pescatourism in Enhancing the Competitiveness of the Tourism Sector in the Algerian Coastal Territories: An Analytical Approach

The Algerian coastal territories have very distinctive morphological characteristics, this has helped to develop several activities we find the tourism sector at the forefront. In this context, the study addresses the introduction of Pescatourism as a new ecosystem in Algeria and how can it contribute to increasing coastal territories capacity and competitiveness. The results showed that this activity has significant potential opportunities for the tourism sector, as well as for the fishing sector in Algeria's coastal regions, by increasing competitiveness and economic, social and material absorptive capacity on the one hand, In addition to maintaining artisanal fishing activity as a socio-cultural heritage, on the other hand.

The Ordeal of Traditional Authorities and Sacraments in the Cameroon Anglophone Armed Conflict

One of the main challenges that the world and Africa have faced for the past fifty years has been the proliferation of armed conflicts. These armed conflicts mostly occurred paradoxically in areas rich with a variety of cultural heritage. In fact, since WWII, several areas harboring rich cultural heritages have been destroyed by armed conflicts. Frequent armed conflicts turn to destroy the cultural heritage which is an expression of the ways of living developed by a community and passed on from generation to generation, including customs, practices, places, objects, artistic expressions, and values. In reality, cultural heritage can provide an automatic sense of unity and belonging within a group and permit people to better understand previous generations and the history of where they come from. The main objective of this paper is to demonstrate how the armed conflicts in the English-speaking regions of Cameroon (North West and South West regions) are gradually destroying the cultural heritages of communities that live in these two regions. The main question posed in this study is: what are the stakes of armed conflict on the socio-cultural heritage of the English-speaking regions of the republic of Cameroon? How can cultural heritage awareness contribute in resolving the armed conflicts in the area? And finally, what is the future of the people without a cultural background? This cultural effacement has been substantiated by the burning and profanation of traditional palaces with all their contents as well as, the looting, kidnapping, torture, and even killing of traditional authorities who prior to the War held the affidavit of all forms of unity, love and power within these traditional communities. Findings in this paper revealed that, so far, the armed conflict in the English-speaking regions of Cameroon has seriously affected the socio-cultural heritage of several communities in the area of study The fact too that armed combatants of this region have rather concentrated on eradicating all the entire paraphernalia of chieftaincies and its network of norms f hierarchy has made the palaces hitherto held to be sanctuary of all cultures to become unsecured thereby, causing the fons to flee for survival elsewhere, also indicates the pressure brought by this armed conflicts to local norms and traditions. It submits that war does far more than kill just belligerents as it sinks far deep into the yards of effacing established customs and traditions that provide the adhesive threads for most generations. This submission is therefore valid not just for the current armed conflict plaguing the Anglophone regions of Cameroon but also for any society that has resulted to seek justice through armed conflict.

The Realms of Abandonment: Measures and Interpretations of Landscape Value/Risk in Northern Sardinia (Italy)

This contribution is part of the context of studies on the prospects of eco-oriented territorial rebalancing involving the settlement networks of inland areas. These are characterised by the contrast between socio-territorial disadvantage issues and opportunities to reuse physical resources within the broader framework of territorial regeneration and the revitalisation of local identities. In Italy, the region of Sardinia represents one of the most suitable operational contexts for the study of this relationship due to the presence of a natural context that dominates the urbanised areas and a deep, and in some ways still intact, cultural identity. Between nature and culture lies the issue of urban settlement structures, which are progressively being emptied due to depopulation and abandonment, and which require responses to revitalise territories integrated with the now inescapable ecological–environmental needs. This study proposes the formation of an initial platform of indicators to describe the effects of land abandonment through a multidimensional approach to highlight the potentials and weaknesses of the natural, urban, and socio-cultural heritage. The scale of observation and comparison concerns urban centres and small towns in the province of Sassari in the Region of Sardinia (Italy). The creation of an integrated set of maps highlighting deficiencies, vocations, and unexpressed potentials are the first results of the observation methodology adopted; these residual potentials can be used to design possible redevelopment and regeneration strategies based on the specific vocations of territories and urban settlements.

Is breastfeeding duration related to the health of migrant mother-child dyads experiencing homelessness? The ENFAMS cross-sectional survey.

Literature from the general population shows a consensus about the health benefits associated with breastfeeding for both mothers and children. However, studies investigating these issues in the context of homelessness and migration are rare. This research aimed to examine the relations of any breastfeeding duration with health outcomes among migrant mother-child dyads experiencing homelessness. Data were collected among sheltered and mainly foreign-born mothers experiencing homelessness, and their children aged 6 months to 5 years, from the ENFAMS cross-sectional survey (n = 481, 2013-Great Paris area). Any breastfeeding duration, along with various health outcomes of both the mother and her child, was ascertained by face-to-face questionnaires administered by trained interviewers to mothers (perceived physical and emotional health and maternal depression) or by trained psychologists to children (adaptive behaviours). Nurses measured weight and height [thus allowing them to calculate body mass index (BMI)] and haemoglobin concentration (mother-child dyad) and maternal blood pressure. Multivariable linear and modified Poisson regression analyses were performed to examine outcome-wide associations between any breastfeeding duration ≥6 months and the various mother-child outcomes. Any breastfeeding ≥6 months was associated with lower systolic blood pressure in mothers (B = -0.40, 95% confidence interval = -0.68 to -0.12). No association was observed with the other outcomes. The relevance of supporting breastfeeding to improve mothers' physical health holds true in the context of migration and homelessness. It is therefore important to support breastfeeding in these settings. Moreover, given the documented social complexity of breastfeeding practices, interventions should take mothers' socio-cultural heritage and the structural barriers they face into account.

The Problem of Vertical and Horizontal Identity in Intergenerational Relationships

Philosophical ideas aimed at establishing and fostering equitable and constructive relationships between generations are gradually gaining more attention. From a philosophical perspective, the study of ethical problems related to intergenerational relations presents an opportunity to raise a number of pivotal questions and their potential solutions, questions that encompass issues such as identity of generations, transmission of socio-cultural heritage from generation to generation, intergenerational justice, responsibility between generations, etc. In this context, it is important to keep in mind that topics concerning different generations and generally having an intergenerational component imply diversity in some sense since we are dealing with the axiological and worldview features of different generations.
 Considering the above, the article discusses the process of constructing the identity of generations, explicitly addressing the gaps and contradictions between vertical (temporal) and horizontal (spatial) identity nowadays. Analyzing the features of vertical identity and horizontal identity of generations, the article draws from past experiences, identity metanarratives, and their integration into the identity-constructing process.
 The work also analyzes the role and significance of postmemory in shaping the identity and experiences of generations, highlighting both its constructive and destructive aspects.

Whiteness, interpellation, and embodied technique in western classical vocal pedagogy

ABSTRACT Criticism of the foundational whiteness of western classical music's socio-cultural heritage remains relatively rare, and the field continues to export a prestigious self-image of cultural and technical superiority. Building on Ben Spatz’ epistemology of practice, I argue that the foundational whiteness of western classical music is principally and most tenaciously embodied within its training and practices, and as such scholarly criticism must also address the transmission of embodied technique. I demonstrate how this foundational whiteness relates to philosophies of transcendence and mind-body dualism, focusing on the case of vocal pedagogy. I analyse pedagogical literature and methods to reveal racialised frameworks and powerfully interpellating practices that require student-practitioners to excise aspects of their identity as the price of entry to their field. In light of this, I propose moving beyond the tokenism that takes the field's superiority for granted, towards a more serious reckoning of its value.

Analyzing Tea Tourism Products and Experiences From India and Turkey

Tea is considered an important symbol of expression of socio-cultural heritage, community bonding, ethnicities, and customs to strengthen local place identity. Tea tourism offers an engaging and enduring gastronomic experience due to the active participation of tourists. This study aims to identify the key destination tea tourism products or experiences. This study uses a qualitative research approach to identify the prime tea tourism products and experiences from two important tea-growing nations, i.e., India and Turkey, ranked second and fifth in global tea production, respectively. The research findings present four main categories: facilities, activities, tours, training, Observation, and twenty-five sub-categories relating to tea tourism products and experiences. This study also strives to discover the contribution of tea tourism products or experiences in the tours conducted by Indian and Turkey travel agencies. This study is one of the first studies to examine the selected elements of tea tourism at the destination. The results will contribute to several theoretical and practical implications concerning tea tourism in tea-producing countries. The study will also offer essential insights into how travel agencies may use tea tourism products and experiences efficiently in packaging their tours.

Parks’ sustainability as a method to revive historical parks in Egypt

The role of urban development is to restore the ecological system by making parks more efficient and sustainable. The sustainability of historical parks is concerned with more than just conservation; as it contributes to the pillars of sustainability as well as restoring nature conservation areas. Furthermore, historic parks offer demands regarding how to fulfill modern visitors’ needs, since these needs have not been provided in the previous era, and these parks are frequently susceptible to deterioration. This research aims to apply potential strategies to revive abandoned historical parks in Alexandria, which are considered of a significant value to national and international heritage assets, due to their influence on the residents’ socio-cultural heritage. This aim is achieved through two main dimensions. The first one describes the development of restoring historical parks throughout the ages, identifies parks’ laws and charters, the investigation of parks, the reasons for parks' deterioration in Egypt, and the requirements for sustainable parks. The second one is an application of the strategic criteria to different international parks to measure the parks’ sustainability. This leads to an analysis of how these strategies can be implemented at Antoniadis Park. The research concludes that historical park restoration facilitates eco-friendly development by recognizing the sustainability pillars and their intersection.

Complex economic effects of balanced nutrition for athlete-schoolchildren in ethno-intellectual sports

The present research conducts an intricate economic analysis on targeted nutritional interventions for a specific demographic: 60 athlete-schoolchildren between the ages of 11 and 13 in Central Asia. These children are actively engaged in the ethno-intellectual sport of Togyz Kumalak which from an ethnohistorical perspective is a part of the socio-cultural heritage of the nomadic societies of Central Asia. Spanning a timeframe of 12 months, this multi-faceted study was articulated in a three-stage design framework. The initial stage involved a baseline assessment of the children’s nutritional statuses, utilizing anthropometric measurements and dietary recall surveys as empirical tools. Medical experts and biologists collaborated to identify the economic implications of nutrient imbalances that could lead to metabolic disorders and subsequent healthcare costs. The second stage encompassed the formulation and execution of nutritional interventions that were economically vetted for sustainability and impact. These interventions were derived from the baseline data and involved dietary supplementation, counseling, and a well-balanced nutritional regimen designed in consultation with coaches, trainers, and parents. During this stage, economic considerations were central to the discourse as experts across disciplines expounded on the optimal ratio of vital macro- and micronutrients, adequate caloric content, and even distribution of nutrients throughout the day. Such a comprehensive approach to diet structuring amplifies the economic viability by elucidating how a balanced nutritional intake can enhance athletic and intellectual performance, impact competition outcomes positively, and improve post-training recovery – thereby potentially mitigating of long-term healthcare expenditures. The study culminated in a rigorous post-intervention assessment that employed both cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) and cost-benefit analysis (CBA) methodologies. The results revealed not only a statistically significant improvement in the nutritional statuses of the children but also confirmed the cost-effectiveness and scalability of the interventions implemented. The economic aspects were augmented by metrics that interlinked the immediate benefits of the interventions with broader economic considerations, such as the potential reduction in healthcare-related costs over time. Research contributes profoundly to public health dialogues, offering insights into the optimization of resources to heighten the general well-being and performance, particularly in the specialized arena of ethno-intellectual sports like Togyz Kumalak. It successfully straddles the crossroads of health economics, cultural sports, and public health, emphasizing the potential for integrative approaches in the amelioration and proliferation of community-centered health programs. This multifaceted economic analysis thus serves as a robust model for scalable and economically viable public health strategies that satisfy both individual health and community development needs.

Implementation of Japanese Sociocultural Values in Japanese Kotowaza: A Cognitive Linguistics Perspective.

Kotowaza were created by gaining experience and through recurring events over the years of existence of the Japanese people. The purpose of this study is to conduct a qualitative analysis of Japanese kotowaza in cognitive-linguistic discourse to divide idioms into categories and groups with specific sociocultural features. The paper focuses in detail on the semantic features of 20 kotowaza that use animal symbols as an idiomatic metaphor. In this paper, 10 proverbs with the central animal visualization, neko, were analyzed. Visionary metaphors are developed based on the comparison of cat's body parts and behavior with human qualities or characteristics of objects and phenomena. The analysis of the remaining 10 kotowaza showed that the meaning of imagery could originate from Chinese tradition and then change under the influence of Japanese style. Hence, it follows that the meanings of some kotowaza, or the animals they use, can be interpreted differently depending on context. However, the key meanings of proverbs are engrained in the national consciousness of native speakers. It was also observed that kotowaza used oxymoron. It is possible to gain a correct understanding of what kotowaza means through analyzing literal and idiomatic relations in the proverb. Each proverb has an animal symbol, the meaning of which is engrained and originates from the cultural and historical development of the Japanese nation. The practical application of the study lies in the fact that these findings can be used for further study of the special aspects of manifestation of sociocultural heritage at the linguistic level within the phraseology of the Japanese language.

Institutional model of Tajikistan's Political system: hierarchy and specifics of institutions

The article presents a structural and component model of the political system of Tajikistan, which has developed over 30 years of institutional transformation, analyzes the hierarchy and role of institutions that have the most significant impact on the political life of Tajikistan. The conclusion is made about the complete transformation of the Soviet institutions of the political system into a national institutional model combining democratic institutions and authoritarian practices. Over the 30 years of independence, Tajikistan has undergone a transformation of the political system and the entire society. By the transformation of the political system, we will understand organizational, value deconstruction, the transformation of former institutions and the reproduction of new political and state institutions, values, norms and social relations. The socio-cultural heritage of the socialist way of life and Soviet authoritarianism, the consequences of the brutal civil war laid the specifics of the genesis of the political system of Tajikistan. The institutional transformation initiated and carried out by the regional elites who won the civil war led to the construction and functioning of a kind of political system synthesizing democratic institutions and authoritarian political and administrative practices of government institutions. This phenomenon arouses scientific interest, which determined the subject, purpose and methodology of the study – the definition of the institutional content of the political system of Tajikistan and the identification of the specifics of its design based on the structural component model.

Problematizing Chieftaincy Succession Squabbles in the Cameroon Grassfields Studies

Chieftaincy institution constitutes a significant aspect of the socio-cultural heritage and feature within the Bamenda Grass fields. Its historical role in the maintenance of peace and promotion of development at the local level is incontestable. Recently the institution that was yesterday a symbol of harmony, development and cultural pride has suddenly become an object of discord and rivalry. In reality, the authority and legitimacy of chiefs in the Cameroon Grassfields is increasingly being contested and questioned. It is sustained in this paper that chieftaincy that used to be a problem shooter in communities in the Bamenda Grassfields has become itself a problem to the socio-economic and political developmentefforts of grassroots population. Following a critical historical approached based on the content analysis of primary and secondary sources, the study reveals that the multiplication of dual chieftaincy crisis in the Bamenda Grassfields is the historical product of the socio-cultural degradation of the chieftaincy institution. In order to carry out this workboth quantitative and qualitative approaches were used in interpreting and analyzing Data. A thematic cum chronological approach was used in presenting the findings.