Kennedy Kapata¹, Harrison Daka^2,, Kalisto Kalimaposo³, Lydia Mukuka Mulenga – Hagane², Alex Mugala², Chidongo Phiri²

The purpose of the study was to access the effectiveness of traditional conflict process in the rural parts of Mumbwa Districts. The following objectives formed the research; to identify the common types of conflict/ cases reported in the villages of Mumbwa District; to determine the practice of traditional conflict resolution among traditional leaders in Mumbwa District, to assess the effectiveness of traditional conflict resolution outcomes as compared to convention method in Mumbwa District. This research applied a qualitative approach that used a descriptive design. The study sample included nine village members, nine village committee members, nine village headmen, one chief/representative, one criminal investigation officer and one clerk of court making a total of thirty participants. Purposive sampling technique was used to sample the participants. Data was generated using semi structured interviews and focus discussions. The data that was collected was analyses mainly using qualitative process. The study revealed that marriage dispute, witchcraft accusation, land dispute, crop damage by domestic animals, adultery, use of insulting language, early marriages, disrespectfulness, not taking care of the family, minor assaults, gender based violence and boundary issues are the common cases that are reported in the villages of Mumbwa District. The study also revealed that, members of the village of Mumbwa preferred to report cases to traditional conflict resolution court as opposed to conventional method where the statutory courts are used. The study further revealed that traditional resolution outcomes were effective. The study recommended the need for strengthening methods used in traditional conflict resolution such as negotiation, mediation and arbitration as well as documentation. The study also recommended the need for a herdsman to take care of animals that are kept in open areas. The study further recommended the need for village committee members to educate their members about the consequences of committing offences. The study also recommended the need for traditional leaders to document the practices of handling conflicts in traditional courts.

conflict resolution, traditional leadership, dispute resolution, restitution, retribution