Globalization and State–Society Relations in Africa

The post-colonial African state has long been viewed as a major culprit in Africa’s socioeconomic crisis. Its failure to coordinate policy with broad social interests and to reconcile its governance system with the institutions and cultural values of its citizens is a major factor. This paper examines if new globalization and its liberalization policies have begun to narrow the discrepancy between policy and social interests and to facilitate the reconstitution of the state by shifting the balance of power between state and society in favor of society. The findings suggest that, despite the apparent spread of democratization during the era of post – Cold-War globalization, the policy mechanisms of globalization have notably worsened the disjuncture between policy and social interests andexacerbated the antagonisms between the state and society in the Africancontinent

Optimizing community-driven development through sage tradition in Cameroon

Powering community development requires a re-invention of traditional authority. This paper interrogates this proposition: how does sage tradition engender social resilience and what is the impact of traditional authority on the modern governance architecture? Sage tradition construed culturally as elder-led authority is anchored on wisdom and respect for elders—a pivotal asset in community development transactions. Informed by indigenous knowledge, social capital and asset-based concepts, an empirical account of strategic leadership by the elderly is proffered, uncovering indigenous governance in the North West Region, Cameroon. A pyramidal power structure validates village elders as key players in advancing social justice. They offer counsel and arbitrate in community affairs and mobilise community members for infrastructure provision—community halls, equipping schools, digging roads, building bridges and supply of fresh water. Though elder esteemed traditions prove perfunctory, findings show communities are benefiting from the accumulated, incremental cultural assets factored into local development. The paper concludes that thriving cultural assets should be amalgamated through a policy drive that taps into the utility of traditional authority, in synergy with modern state institutions to bolster social development, address poverty and social inequality

A Cross-Generational Study of Contraception and Reproductive Health Among Sudanese and Eritrean Women in Brisbane, Australia

This study conducted in Brisbane, Australia, was undertaken with a cross-section of Sudanese and Eritrean mothers and daughters. We explored and documented the women’s intergenerational experiences and knowledge of reproductive health and contraception. Underpinned by a qualitative approach, focus group discussions were undertaken along with key informant interviews with health and multicultural sector professionals. Through examination of knowledge shared, the analysis distilled key aspects of intergenerational fears, cultural safety, and health. Participants proposed recommendations on how refugee and migrant women in Australia and resettled countries globally can more effectively and holistically exercise their sexual and reproductive health rights

Identity Politics, Democratisation and State Building in Ethiopia's Federal Arrangement

Relations between identity politics, democratisation, and state building are complex, especially in the cases of relatively young post-colonial countries, such as those in Sub-Saharan Africa. The complexity emanates, in part, from the multiplicity of the intervening variables. This paper proposes that the factors that impinge on the relationships include: the nature of the historical state-identity and inter-identity relations, the nature of the state, including the quality of its leadership and its effectiveness in promoting the well-being of its citizens equitably, the state's approach to state-building, the organisation of political parties, and the structure of electoral systems. Developing a general theory on the relations between identity politics, democratisation, and state building is beyond the scope of this paper. Instead, the paper aims to contribute to our understanding of the nature of the relationships by exploring how they have unfolded in Ethiopia's fifteen-year-old federal arrangement.African Journal on Conflict Resolution Vol. 7 (2) 2007: pp. 63-9

Striking a balance between the old and the new

Most African countries are governed by two systems: formal state-sanctioned (modern) institutions of governance; and traditional institutions that mostly govern rural populations. The fragmentation of institutions has created a number of serious socioeconomic problems. How can this be solved? KIDANE MENGISTEAB and GERARD HAGG report on a study that tries to do exactly that.

Reconciling Africa's fragmented institutions of governance: a new approach to institution building: interim technical report to the IDRC

Commissioned by the IDRC, JulyThis first progress report reports on the research conducted during the first phase of the project, mainly consisting of a planning workshop in Pretoria (South Africa), literature reviews in the four countries, and first phase fieldwork in Ethiopia, Kenya and South Africa, which consisted of key informant interviews and focus group discussions. The report includes a generic question schedule which is being used in the interviews. To date eight case studies in Ethiopia, Somaliland and Kenya have been completed. Fieldwork in South Africa is 70% completed and will be finalised by first week in September. Disbursements for all four countries' fieldwork that have been made. The initial feedback from the fieldwork indicates that the research is considered highly relevant and addresses key governance issues in the communities

Reconciling Africa's fragmented institutions of governance: a new approach to institution building: third interim technical report to the IDRC

Commissioned by the IDRC, FebruaryThis third progress report covers the research conducted during the second phase of the project, mainly consisting of fieldwork (Household surveys) and a report back and planning workshop in Nairobi, and literature reviews in the four countries

Reconciling Africa's fragmented institutions of governance: a new approach to institution building: second interim technical report to the IDRC

Commissioned by the IDRC, JuneThis second progress report covers the research conducted during the second half of the first phase of the project up to the end of the HSRC financial year (1 July 2009-31 March 2010) in order to include the January 2010 workshop findings and to facilitate alignment between the HSRC financial system and the report structure. This report covers the fieldwork (key informant interviews and focus group discussions), literature reviews in the four countries, and a workshop in South Africa for the first phase fieldwork report back and planning for the second phase, and dissemination activities (Annexure A: workshop report)