Volume 4, Number 2

Improving Traditional Institutions in Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation: A Case Study of Traditional Institutions in Mashonaland Central Province, Zimbabwe

  Authors

John Mbwirire, Zimbabwe Open University, Zimbabwe

  Abstract

This study explores ways of enhancing and or improving approaches which a traditional institution in peacebuilding and conflict transformation programmes in Mashonaland Central Province in Zimbabwe. The mixed method approach was study employed by combining questionnaires with community members, focus group discussions with traditional chief`s council members and in-depth interviews with traditional chiefs. The findings of the study were that traditional methods of conflict prevention and management are cultural and community specific and are possible mechanisms of promoting peace at grassroots levels. The study recommended that traditional institutions must be transparent, corruption free and fair, must support gender equity, must carry out awareness campaign to market their services which are heading towards extinction and should communicate using the media and other modern day technological advancements.

  Keywords

Traditional institutions, transparent, technological advancements, democracy