Indigenous Welfare and Community-Based Social Development: Lessons from African Innovations

Although indigenous community-based welfare practices have historically promoted social well-being in African communities, their contribution has seldom been recognized. Because these practices play a major role in social development, they should be more effectively integrated with formal social development programs. Three examples of community-based social development innovations in Southern African countries, which integrate traditional cooperative practices with formal programs, are discussed, and lessons are drawn for other countries.