WBI commissioned a Desk Study to begin to approach the topic of traditional structures in local governance. The first draft was completed in January 2004. The desk study, which is co-authored by Professors Wolf Linder and Georg Lutz of the Institute of Political Science of the University of Berne, summarized and conceptualized current findings on traditional structures in local governance, and discussed their potential role for the improvement of governance at the local level. It was divided into four sections:

• Explaining the concepts of traditional structures, traditional societies and traditional authorities
• Exploring the role of traditional authorities in local governance: theoretical considerations*
• The relations between traditional structures and local governance
• The role of traditional structures in local development

WBI also commissioned a review of the desk study by an anthropologist (Nicolas Garrigue) to incorporate anthropoloigical views into the research of Traditional Structures in Local Governance. A copy of both papers can be found in several languages under the desk study resources section.

(*) There are a number of issues that are important for good governance at the local level. Important concepts of governance, such as legitimacy, social inclusion and participation, accountability, responsiveness and transparency, have been developed for modern or industrial societies. How these concepts apply for traditional authorities requires discussion.