Indigenous Institutions and Local Development Initiatives: Case Studies from Selected Gurage Areas of Ethiopia
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Date
1999-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
This paper attempts to investigate the raison d' etre and development implications of indigenous
institutions. The meaning of institution and indigenous institutions is provided in the context of
the available literature and the study area of the paper. The explanatory power of institutional
theories has been assessed and attempt is made to give a theoretical explanation as the
background to the existence of institutions that are based on the customs and traditions of local
people. A model of institutional design is also developed in the context of the situation in the study
area to show the place and relative contribution of indigenous institutions in promoting
development at the local level. Based on a systematic examination and analysis of the various
functions of fourteen different indigenous institutions identified in the study area, the paper shows
that these institutions occupy a velY important place in the development actors network as well as
the state and private-sector actors. Not only are indigenous institutions important in performing
their own distinct functions in their specific localities, but also they playa significant role in
promoting development by acting as collaborators to and intervention points for other
government and non-government organizations.
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