A cultura no processo de governação: o caso Yao 1960 - 1986

Abstract

This work studies the Yao community in Mozambique and the role of culture in the governance process. It argues that, due to the lack of socio-anthropological knowledge of the communities, there has been friction between them and the agents of public administration. Indeed, the first chapter analyzes the different historical factors, from colonial times to the post-independence period, and shows their impact with regard to Mozambican communities in general, and the Yao community in particular. The second chapter discusses the history of colonial administration in Niassa. This point seeks to show the points of discord and concord between Portuguese colonial administration and African society. The third chapter portrays the importance of anthropological studies in the governance process draws attention to the fact that the conflicts between the agents of administration and the community result from the lack of knowledge of its socio-cultural realities. The last two chapters analyze the relationship between “traditional” authority and “official” authority. It shows that although in a first phase there was hostility from the “traditional” authority, economic and political imperatives forced the Portuguese authorities to give this authority a space for maneuver. In the post-independence period this space was severely obstructed because the new regime not only marginalized but also harassed “traditional” authority. This study concludes that knowledge of culture in the governance process is essential for the success of any government policy, otherwise, it will be vulnerable to conflicts, as it can shock the “modus vivendi” of government communities (TRADUÇÃO NOSSA)