RELEVANCE AND SUITABILITY OF TRADITIONAL INSTITUTIONS IN PEACEBUILDING AND CONFLICT TRANSFORMATION: A CASE STUDY OF MASHONALAND CENTRAL PROVINCE,
ZIMBABWE

RELEVANCE AND SUITABILITY OF TRADITIONAL INSTITUTIONS IN PEACEBUILDING AND CONFLICT TRANSFORMATION: A CASE STUDY OF MASHONALAND CENTRAL PROVINCE,
ZIMBABWE

JOHN MBWIRIRE

LIGHTON DUBE

This study explores the relevance and suitability of traditional institutions in peacebuilding and conflict
transformation during the periods 2002-2008 and 2009-2013 in Mashonaland Central Province in Zimbabwe. The study
employed a mixed method approach combining questionnaires with community members, focus group discussions with
traditional chief`s council members and in-depth interviews with traditional chiefs. The findings indicate that traditional
institutions are suitable, relevant and appropriate in maintaining community peace. The study recommended that by
becoming apolitical and dealing with political disputes, would enhance and or improve the relevance and suitability of
traditional institutions in peacebuilding and conflict transformation in Zimbabwe.