DISASTER RISK REDUCTION IN AFRICA: IS THE INSTITUTIONALIZATION OF TRADITIONAL LEADERS KEY?

Abstract

This dissertation examines the role of traditional leaders in shaping governance of disaster risk reduction (DRR) in Africa. It argues that although traditional leaders remain central to local governance, especially in rural communities, they are still largely absent from formal DRR frameworks despite their authority, proximity to communities, and role as custodians of traditional knowledge. The dissertation argues that the formal integration of traditional leaders into disaster risk governance enhances coordination, facilitates the integration of traditional knowledge, and strengthens the legitimacy and authority of traditional leaders within DRR systems. This formalization does not create new roles for traditional leaders but enhances how these roles are exercised within DRR governance frameworks. Using a mixed methods approach, the study combines a quantitative analysis of 34 African countries, with a qualitative case study of Zambia based on semi-structured elite interviews with three traditional leaders from North-Western, Southern, and Eastern provinces. The quantitative analysis examines trust in Members of Parliament and Traditional Leaders, contact with these institutions, and perceived responsiveness, and also assesses climate change awareness. The qualitative case study explores how traditional leaders understand and practice disaster risk reduction, including early warning, community mobilization, and the use of traditional knowledge. The findings suggest that traditional leaders are significantly more trusted, contacted more often, and viewed as more responsive than Members of Parliament. The analysis also shows that contact with traditional leaders is associated with climate change awareness. The Zambia case study further demonstrates that traditional leaders contribute to disaster preparedness and resilience through early warning practices, community mobilization, land and resource management, environmental stewardship, and culturally grounded adaptation practices. Overall, the study finds that traditional leaders can play an important role in shaping DRR governance and that formally recognizing and integrating them into DRR frameworks can strengthen preparedness, resilience, and locally grounded disaster governance in Africa.