Traditional Institutions, Climate Change, and Social Stability
FY26 SI-RITEA Type A
Abstract
Climate change threatens social cohesion and stability, particularly in regions reliant on subsistence livelihoods. However, its impact on conflict is not deterministic; rather, it depends on the political institutions governing at-risk communities. In many African countries, traditional authorities—commonly known as chiefs—play a crucial role in land allocation and dispute resolution. Yet, their traditional political institutions vary widely in their governance structures, with some fostering inclusive decision-making and accountability, while others remain exclusionary and insulated from public input.
This research examines how institutional differences among traditional authorities influence their ability to mitigate climate-related conflict, focusing on Malawi. We hypothesize that traditional institutions with democratic features—such as citizen input, transparency, and accountability—are more effective in fostering institutional trust, promoting sustainable resource use, and reducing communal conflict. To test this, we develop a novel tool to measure the degree of democracy within Malawi’s traditional institutions, improving upon previous research that often treats them as monolithic. By distinguishing between peace-promoting and conflict-prone institutions, this study aims to inform policymakers on how to leverage traditional governance structures to enhance social stability in the face of climate change.