Traditional Governance Systems Research Articles

Conflict and coexistence: analysing the dynamics between traditional leadership and democratic governance in Dukuduku, KwaZulu-Natal

This paper examines the conflicts arising from the coexistence of traditional leadership and democratic local governance in Dukuduku, KwaZulu-Natal, a region marked by overlapping authority and contested land claims. Despite constitutional recognition, traditional leadership in post-apartheid South Africa remains ambiguously defined, leading to clashes with democratically elected structures over roles, responsibilities, and territory. This study uses a qualitative methodology to analyse archival materials, media sources, and meeting records and conducts semi-structured interviews with 25 stakeholders, including traditional leaders, senior citizens, and subsistence farmers. The findings reveal that introducing a local government system under the Amakhosi jurisdiction precipitates confrontations, particularly where duties intersect. In Dukuduku—proclaimed a state forest—the recognition of traditional authority creates disputes over land ownership and governance, complicating the administration of land and impacting service delivery. The analysis suggests that the institutional "invention" and subsequent "recognition" of traditional leadership in areas like Dukuduku not only challenge the perceptions of state land but also exacerbate power struggles, thereby affecting local development and governance. The study contributes to understanding the dynamic interplay between traditional and democratic governance systems in rural South Africa. It highlights the implications for policy and local administration in managing such dual governance structures effectively. This study explains how hard it is to combine traditional structures with a modern democratic framework. It also gives us a better understanding of what this means for rural governance and land management in changing societies.

Harmony in Dispute: The Role of Anywaa's Traditional Institutions in Conflict Resolution

This paper explores the traditional institutions and conflict resolution mechanisms among the Anywaa community, shedding light on their intricate structures and practices. The Anywaa people, located in Ethiopia and South Sudan, have developed indigenous governance systems centered on institutions such as Nyieya (nobleship), Kwaaro (headmanship), and the spiritual leadership of Nyibur, along with family councils. These institutions play vital roles in maintaining social order and resolving conflicts within the community. The study elucidates the processes of conflict resolution, involving mediation by various officials and councils within the traditional governance system. Whether dealing with inter-village disputes, intra-village conflicts, or homicide cases, the Anywaa employ a combination of customary practices and indigenous knowledge to address conflicts effectively. The involvement of neutral parties underscores the community's commitment to fair and just resolution processes. Furthermore, the research highlights the significance of compensation and purification rituals in restoring harmony and reconciliation within the community. Through restitution and traditional ceremonies, the Anywaa aim to mend relationships and reintegrate offenders back into society, emphasizing the importance of forgiveness and community cohesion. Overall, the findings contribute to a deeper understanding of indigenous governance systems and their relevance in contemporary society. By documenting the intricate workings of traditional institutions and conflict resolution practices among the Anywaa people, the research underscores the importance of preserving and respecting indigenous knowledge for sustainable peace and social cohesion in diverse cultural contexts.

HOW THE SOMALI MODERN GOVERNANCE WORKS WITH THE TRADITIONAL GOVERNANCE SYSTEM: LITERATURE REVIEW

Somalia, located in the Horn of Africa, has a complex history influenced by tribalism, colonialism, and internal conflict. During the colonial era, European powers collaborated with clan leaders, resulting in Somalia's division along clan and tribal lines. This division led to the creation of artificial borders, which fragmented the land and fostered regional and clan-based identities. After gaining independence in 1960, Somalia initially aimed to establish a strong, centralized state. The Siad Barre regime, which came to power through a military coup in 1969, tried to suppress clan and regional identities in favor of a communist ideology. However, the regime's downfall in 1991 plunged Somalia into a prolonged period of violence and state collapse. Warlords and clan-based factions fought for power, leading to a protracted civil war. This paper analyzes the intricate relationship between Somalia's traditional and modern governance systems. It examines the potential for collaboration, the challenges faced in nation-building efforts, and the lasting impact of clan-based structures. The study begins by exploring traditional governance, highlighting the important role of customary law, elders, and religious clerics in consensus-building mechanisms and maintaining social harmony. It emphasizes the historical significance and contemporary relevance of these institutions. The paper then delves into the challenges involved in establishing a modern state in Somalia. It examines the obstacles that hinder the realization of democratic ideals and the establishment of a centralized administration. A key focus is evaluating the potential synergies and conflicts between traditional and modern systems.

Adjustments to the Traditional Government System in the Muslim Malay Community of Bungo (1979–2023)

<em>This research is motivated by the changes that occurred in the customary government that survived for many years as social control in Malay society. The purpose of this research is to describe the changes in the customary government system in the muara bungo Islamic Malay community (1979-2023). The research method used is the four stages of historical research methodology, namely heuristics, source criticism, interpretation, and writing. The data collection techniques used are observation, interviews, literature study, and documentation. The results showed that as a social controller in the Malay customary society of Muara Bungo, which lost its role thanks to Law No. 5 of 1979 which changed all the smallest units into village governments. The customary government then disappeared and all the rules and customary devices that had existed after so long. This change then did not bring changes towards progress in the indigenous Malay community of Muara Bungo, it became a setback for the community. The village government only regulates village administration, not regulating the problems that arise in indigenous peoples. The loss of the Customary Chief (Pasirah) made the Malay indigenous community lose guidance, so that community problems could not be resolved by the village government. The increasingly worrying situation made the Jambi Level I regional government move by issuing Regional Regulation No. 5 of 2007 with the intention of restoring the identity, function and role of customary institutions to the community. Rio emerged as the new customary head, to socialize and teach the community the customary rules, and to peacefully resolve customary problems that occurred in the community.</em>

Cultivating Wellbeing: Traditional Wisdom and Sustainability in Fiji’s Green Schools

This method abstract details the Green School Program, piloted across three schools in maritime Fijian islands, addresses critical issues faced by Fijian and Pacific Island communities. These encompass malnutrition, food security, health hazards, and the urgency of integrating traditional knowledge, governance, and social-ecological systems approaches into creating healthier school environments. Non communicable diseases have emerged as a pervasive concern within Pacific Island communities, creating a challenge for public health systems, driven greatly by dietary habits(1). This complex health landscape underscores the need to safeguard traditional knowledge and agri-food practices and develop neo-traditional approaches to local food systems(2). Furthermore, the Green School Program recognizes the essential role of schools as community hubs, enabling enhancing heathy school environments by embracing traditional wisdom and sustainable farming practices and foods, ultimately empowering communities to address these multifaceted challenges(3). Developing the school environment as a sustainable setting for governance framework led by women and the school administration, rooted in traditional knowledge and practices. Additionally, it aims to design facilities that support efficient organic farming while integrating these into school activities. Economic sustainability through the sale of surplus farm products, as well as the enhancement of sustainable land-use management, health, wellbeing, and cultural identity. The program unfolds within a distinctive community-based framework with the establishment of robust governance, with a notable emphasis on the leadership of women and mothers who play a pivotal role in steering the green school initiative and ensuring community ownership. Collaborative governance spans multiple stakeholders, including school management, community-based school committees, youth groups, women groups, and traditional leaders. This inclusive engagement ensures both shared responsibility in program design and ownership during implementation phases. Sustainable facilities are strategically designed to include biodigesters, water storage and irrigation systems, composting, organic fertilizers, and seedling nurseries, enhancing the program’s capacity to create healthier school food environments while embracing traditional practices and values. The program has witnessed the active engagement of women in governance roles, promoting community unity and ownership. Traditional knowledge integration has enhanced crop diversity and sustainability. Economic sustainability has been achieved through surplus farm product sales, reducing dependency on external funding sources. Health improvements are evident, with reduced exposure to indoor air pollution from open fires. Cultural identity preservation and increased student engagement are also notable outcomes. The Green School Program’s holistic approach, rooted in traditional knowledge and sustainable practices, has yielded positive outcomes in governance, agriculture, nutritional food security, health, and cultural identity preservation. The program’s success demonstrates the potential for community-based initiatives to address critical issues and empower remote island communities. These results provide valuable insights into sustainable development approaches that prioritize community wellbeing and cultural heritage preservation in similar contexts.

Preventing and mitigating risks of rumours during major pandemics in the era of artificial intelligence: A perspective on vulnerability

AbstractThe sudden outbreak of a major pandemic often leads to the widespread dissemination of rumours related to the event. The public serves as both disseminators and regulators of rumours. Enhancing the public's capability to defend against rumours and strengthening their resilience are crucial for turning the tide of the pandemic. This study focuses on the rumours surrounding the COVID‐19 event and explores their impact on public vulnerability. Researching rumours during the pandemic reveals that in the era of artificial intelligence, the public's information needs, scepticism towards government resilience, and distrust in social relationships can deepen vulnerability, resulting in a proliferation of rumours. Therefore, it is proposed that governments should utilize new technologies, break away from traditional governance systems, and construct a rumour resolution system focusing on demand‐oriented approaches, employing artificial intelligence techniques, and precision repairing of social trust. This approach aims to reduce public vulnerability during significant pandemics and enhance the government's capabilities in rumour prevention and emergency management.

Earnings management and ESG performance: Empirical evidence from Italian context

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance, both in its totality and its three pillars (environmental, social and governance), and earnings management. The sample includes companies listed on the Italian Stock Exchange market (FTSE Italia All-Share index) during business years 2014–2019. After excluding those firms belonging to the financial sector, along with those with missing values, the final sample consists of 103 firms for a total of 618 firm-year observations. Data have been collected from two databases, that are Refinitiv Eikon (for ESG and governance variables) and AIDA Bureau van Dijk (for economic and financial variables). Panel data regression analysis has been implemented to analyse the impact of ESG performance on accrual-based (AEM) and real based (REM) earnings management. It is found that ESG performance has a negative effect on AEM but not on REM, and the governance pillar has the strongest impact compared to those of environmental and social ones. In addition, this research suggests a bidirectional link between ESG performance and earnings management. This analysis contributes to prior research since it is the first study that has used accrual and real-based earnings management proxies with this topic in relation with ESG performance and its three components in the Italian traditional corporate governance system. Corporate practice, regulators and researchers should recognize that ESG performance and earnings management should be discussed together.

Ondoafi Power Structure in the Traditional Village Government System in Jayapura District

The implementation of the traditional regional government system and the Ondoafi government system will certainly face organizational obstacles both in terms of culture, organization and social law. Structurally, the Ondoafi traditional government has broad rights/authorities and is seen and respected by the customary law community. On the government administration side, there is supervision of local governments and of course prevention of community/social relations. This research uses legal and empirical research. The results of this research illustrate that Ondoafi actually regulates two government systems, namely; The traditional government system is a general or traditional and regional government system established based on the regional planning of Jayapura Regency, as well as a new system of traditional city structures that already exist in the traditional government system and local culture. traditional government system, inherited by custom, sacred and responsible for Ondoafi's work. However, there are also new structures, functions and activities that enable Ondoafi to carry out his duties as a traditional leader in both public and private aspects.

Big Data-Driven Public Policy Decisions: Transformation Toward Smart Governance

Big data analytics (BDA) enhances knowledge and decision-making. Despite its importance, the connection between technical progress and political change is neglected in the administrative process. Most studies focus on e-government, e-governance, and how technology can improve existing operations of the bureaucracy. However, this article aims to explore the potential of BDA for public policy systems and provide a linkage for the transformation toward digital and smart governance using preferred reported items for systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA) approach to reveal the relevant documents and narrative review approach to interpret the application of BDA at each step of the public policy system. In addition, this study identifies several common public policy-related big data sources and techniques that could be used at the various stages of the public policy process. This study argues that BDA has the potential to be used for policy formulation in the four main phases—planning, design, service delivery, and evaluation. Most studies confirm its potential in the policy process for taxation, health, education, transportation, law, economy, and social system. This study reveals that it is also suitable for public policy execution stages, such as public supervision, public regulation, service delivery, and policy feedback. Previous studies have indicated that the application of BDA can transform traditional or manual governance systems into digital and smart governance. We contend that the policy cycle should be seen as a dynamic and iterative process characterized by continuous evolution. Though each step of transformation has its unique challenges in handling BDA and maintaining the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure, it can ensure an accurate, prompt, and context-oriented public policy system. These insights provide a novel outlook on effectively managing the interplay between innovation and traditional approaches in the realm of public policy development.

Influence of Project Governance Mechanisms on the Sustainable Development of Public-Private Partnership Projects: An Empirical Study from China

In China, achieving sustainable development goals for PPP projects is an urgent issue. Project governance mechanisms are important to PPP project sustainability, but there are many risk factors in traditional project governance mechanisms. This research focuses on embedding risk governance mechanisms into the traditional project governance system with contract governance mechanisms and relationship governance mechanisms. The main purpose is to reveal the integration of PPP project governance mechanisms and its impact on governance performance and project sustainability, and to propose governance optimization strategies. First, by enriching the understanding of the governance mechanism, governance performance and project sustainability, and improving the measurement scale. Then, by constructing a structural equation model, collecting data through questionnaires, and exploring the effect of the project governance mechanism on project sustainability. (1) The results of direct effect testing show that contractual governance mechanisms, relational governance mechanisms and risk governance mechanisms are positively associated with governance performance, and governance performance is positively associated with project sustainability; (2) the results of mediating effect testing show that interaction of the three governance mechanisms has a positive effect on governance performance. The research results provide a new approach and perspectives for improving project governance mechanisms and achieving sustainable development in the practice of PPP projects.

Garihma (to Care for)

Garihma (to Care for)

Critical Reflections On Wiredu’s Consensual Democracy

This paper argues that Kwasi Wiredu’s consensual democracy is an inadequate alternative to liberal democracy in contemporary Africa because it neglects the beliefs in supernatural realities underpinning governance and political decisions in traditional societies on the continent. The paper holds that as evident in their worldviews and activities, traditional Africans do not depersonalise entities or segregate physical realities from spiritual ones. Deploying historical and conceptual analyses, the paper contends that, essentially, the deficiency of Wiredu’s argument lies in his declining to acknowledge the roles oaths and covenants play in the sustenance of Africa’s traditional governance systems. The paper thus holds that Wiredu’s discountenancing of the role of beliefs in supernatural realities in African societies generally may have resulted in this gap in his understanding of indigenous African political thought and practice.

African traditional system of government and its efficacy in governance: A comparative analysis of Idomaland Ojira and Igboland Aladinma/Oha

Emerging trends in governance particularly in post-Colonial Africa have continued to show a display of a high level of inefficiency in the adopted and practiced Western system of government. While much has been suggested as lead factors for these inefficiencies, little or nothing has been done concerning the strangeness of these adopted European systems of Government in Africa. This paper examines the two traditional systems of governance: Ojira and Aladinma/Oha to explore their differences, practices, and efficiency in the administration of pre-colonial Idomaland/Igboland of present-day Nigeria. Adopting the use of historical qualitative methodology, this paper holds that: although these pre-colonial African systems of governance had their challenges, their efficacy in administering the populace before European incursion cannot be overemphasized. To this end, the paper suggests that rather than continue in these European-styled systems of governance that have led Africans nowhere, attempts should be made to incorporate the indigenous African system of governance into modern government to increase and accelerate good governance and development.

KEKARAENGAN RUMBIA: Study of the Traditional Turatea Government System in Jeneponto

Abstract: Rumbia is one of the regions of the Turatea Kingdom in Jeneponto which has a traditional government system called kekaraengan. This research was conducted to find out how the traditional government system “ke karaengan” of Rumbia and why karaeng is no longer common in Turatea. This study uses historical methodology through four main steps of the historical method, namely: heuristics, source criticism, interpretation, and historiography. The results showed that (1) Rumbia's karaengan was formed through the concept of tumanurung which is a symbol of the life of its supporting community, (2) Rumbia has a Customary Council from a unitary of four villages called Bakuq Appaka or Pangngadakkan, (3) Rumbia's karaengan underwent changes when the Dutch succeeded in controlling the area in 1863.

The Dutch Indies Colonial Government System In Onderafdeling Bonthain 1905-1942

This study aims to determine (i) the transition process from the traditional government system to the colonial government system. (ii) the colonial government administration system, (iii) the influence of the colonial government system on politics and economic activity in Onder Afdeling Bonthain 1905-1942. This study uses a qualitative approach that focuses on historical methods, through the stages of: heuristics, criticism, interpretation, and historiography to find and describe and interpret using data collection techniques through literature and archival reviews. The results of this study indicate that (i) there has been a transition from the traditional government system where the basics of implementing traditional government/kakaraengang are based on customs and royal law. Besides that, With the arrival of the Dutch Colonial, Ada' Sampulo Ruwa officially became Adatregentschapraad as a financial management institution for the local government. (ii) the administrative system developed by the colonial government was fully aimed at supporting the growing paternalistic pattern which had inspired the bureaucratic system in the empire era which was based on the 1922 decentralization law. (iii) the influence of the colonial government system on politics and economic activity in Onderafdeling Bonthain resulted in a process of structural transformation from traditional political and economic structures towards colonial and modern political and economic structures.

The Strategy of The Community of Latu In Maintaining Its Government Institutions In The West Seram District

This study aims to find out the strategy of the people of Negeri Latu in maintaining their government institutions and to know the structure in government institutions of the people of Negeri Latu. This study's data were evaluated via qualitative descriptive analysis in three stages: data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. Various data collecting methods include observation, interviews, and documentation.The results of this study indicate that the forms of strategy undertaken by the people of Negeri Latu in maintaining their customary government institutions include: (1) holding demonstrations to the regional government of the western part of Seram Regency, (2) making petitions and letters of refusal to participate in the election of the village head to the local government of the western part of Seram district, (3) carrying out the preservation of traditions or local wisdom to maintain their existence for each generation. In addition, it was found that the existence of the traditional governance system of the Land of Latu still exists today. In addition, according to the results of the research conducted, it can be seen how the Latu government system with its various sub-systems still exists and is still being maintained by the Latu people to this day.

Tradisi Politik Melayu : Analisis Sistem Marga Uluan Dan Iliran Di Sumatera Selatan

The writing in this study aims to unravel the existence of traditional political system in modern era, besides wanting to investigate more about how dichotomized between uluan and Iliran society. The method used in this research uses qualitative research method with primary and secondary data sources sought by interview data collection techniques, observation and documentation techniques and then in analysis with the researchers' need for data presented in this study. In this study can be drawn some conclusions, the dichotomy between Uluan and Iliran is based on the understanding of each society towards their culture, at a later stage affecting their daily lives hereditary. Second, the declining custom is applied in the Uluan and Iliran communities in dominnation with the traditional system of government with the implementation of traditional authorities in the succession of leadership, where the head of government is elected hereditary. The next stage in the dynamics of the traditional system of government does not strip away the State and Religion, therefore there needs to be an appropriate middle way to accommodate all interests. There must be a mutually filling nature between the two, namely the opportunity for religion to fill the ethical dimension of state life and religious morality, so that the formulation of "The State of Indonesia is not a religious state nor a secular state", but a country in which the values of religions can live and exist .

Issues, challenges, and ways ahead to develop citizen-centric e-Governance in Nepal

E-Governance is a mechanism to provide services to the citizens through online platform utilizing the tools of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to ease the service delivery process. It is a technological intervention to enhance the existing working process of the organizations. The traditional working process demands a lot of time and human contacts. In addition, the service seekers need to present some vital documents like citizenship certificate and other relevant documents to receive the services. The E-government systems are online systems that citizens can access from anywhere at their convenience to request for the service. The online systems have to be citizen-centric so that they are attracted to use the systems for requesting government services. In Nepal, citizen-centric e-Governance is still at question due to the traditional governance system, lack of awareness and motivation in political leadership, lack of citizen involvement, dearth of adequate research on technology adoption, existing digital divide, difficulties in change management, insufficient ICT infrastructure, lack of integration in online services, and lack of strategic plan for the IT human resources. Exploring various literatures, lessons learned from previous experiences and existing situation of the government implanting whole-of-a-nation thought in the mind-set of leadership can help minimize these issues and move towards citizen-centric approach in e-Governance design, development and implementation.

Tourism potentials of Ulu Apad: a traditional governance system of the original Balinese people in Penglipuran Village

This paper aims to uncover the tourism potential of the Ulu Apad of Penglipuran Village. The Ulu Apad is a traditional governance system that exists only in a Bali Aga Village, believed to be the village of the original Balinese people. Using in-depth interviews and observation, the author extracted and discussed the tourism potentials of the Ulu Apad based on data collected from purposively selected informants. In addition, a literature review was carried out to provide secondary data. The result of the qualitative analysis shows that the Ulu Apad is a potential cultural tourist attraction. The system is so unique that it is different even from fellow Bali Aga Villages, and other customary villages. The system ensured that the most experienced and knowledgeable individuals are chosen to lead the village. Despite its uniqueness, the Ulu Apad has not been utilized as an attractor of tourist visits to the village due to its complexity. The intangible nature of the Ulu Apad means that special effort needs to be put in to ensure its attraction can be enjoyed by the tourist. This article provides insight into how to best utilize the intangible nature of the Ulu Apad as a cultural tourist attraction.

The development of fishing in the Turkestan region (XIX century – the beginning of XX century)

The article analyzes the formation and development of fishing in the Turkestan region of the XIX-XX centuries. based on new documentary materials and principles of objective research in the source funds of the archives of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation. As a result of Kazakhstan's accession to Russia, cardinal changes have taken place in the political, cultural, socio-economic life of Renion. The Russian Empire, through administrative and political reforms, destroyed the traditional system of governance in Kazakhstan, dismantled it into governors-general, counties, as a result of which ethnic unity and integrity were violated. As a result of Kazakhstan's accession to Russia, Kazakh nomads were able to carry out exchange and trade relations, capitalist, industrial relations began to develop in the course of trade development in Kazakh villages. The article reveals the identity and importance of the region in the development of fisheries in Kazakhstan. The prerequisites for the formation of fishing entrepreneurship in the Turkestan region and internal and external factors that directly influenced its development, the characteristic features of the southern region, the social and ethnic composition of fishermen are described. Key words: Fisheries, Turkestan region, Syrdarya region, fishing, fish processing.