Erosion of Traditional Institutional Authority and Effects on African Indigenous Knowledge Systems in Management of Mopane Woodland Resources in the Luangwa Valley, Zambia

The study aimed to establish erosion of traditional institutional authority and the effects on African indigenous knowledge systems in management of natural resources base. Impacts political and economic systems have on traditional institutional authority and indigenous knowledge systems for management of mopane woodland resources in the Luangwa Valley, Zambia are reviewed. Zambia’s current political landscape regards traditional institutional authority as secondary even though the legitimacy and relevance of these institutions cannot be disputed. These institutions worked well before colonialism based on rules and traditions that promoted social order in a community, guaranteed safety, security, effective natural resources management and justice. Today, these roles are not recognized. They are not considered as a major embodiment of African indigenous knowledge systems. Traditional institutional authority and African indigenous knowledge systems are undoubtedly neglected and headed for eventual total erosion in Zambia. The political system wields much authority in rule making and application, and enforcement even on matters that fall under the jurisdiction of traditional leadership as in the case of management of mopane woodland resources in the Luangwa Valley, Zambia. Therefore, it is imperative that mechanisms that invoke an appreciation of traditional authority, African indigenous knowledge systems for natural resource management and participation are embodied in modern governance, management structures and conventional science. This is about reviving and protecting African indigenous knowledge systems; promoting passing of knowledge between generations, restoring and affirming confidence in traditional institutions for governing natural resources