Chiefdom Organization

Chiefdom Organization

Chiefdom or Chieftain organization system was adopted by many societies that were under clan organization. This included the Sukuma, Chagga, Nyakyusa, etc. The functions of a chief in these societies were similar to that of the clan leader the difference is the chief had a larger area.

Age Set Organization

This kind of socio-political organization based on age and sex. In order for one to fit in the society one was required to fulfill certain obligations. Often the main productive activity was based on the harsh environments. Such as arid grassland and semi-arid, in these areas poor soil could not support agriculture economy but vegetation could be used for animal husbandry. Age set organization was the determinant form of organization in pastoral societies.

Age Set covered a Specific Group of Years

For example:

1. Children group aged 0–8 years were regarded as non-producers' group. They were not directly involved in production.
2. Youth group 8–18 years: their main responsibility was to graze animals, trading young animals and milking cattle they were assisted by women.
3. Moran group (people between youth and adults aged between 35 years) and above these were soldiers of the society.

The Main Responsibilities of the Moran were as follows:

1. To protect the whole society as trained soldiers.
2. To protect livestock against dangerous animals and raiders.
3. To increase the number of animals through raiding their neighbours.
4. To travel with their herds in search for water and pastures.

Laibons

This is the group of elders aged 40 years and above it consisted of elders who were divided in groups namely, junior elders, elders and senior elders.

Responsibilities of Elders:

1. To control livestock and all the properties on behalf of their communities.
2. To enable norms and ethics to govern the society.
3. They were top overseers of all the spiritual and political matters of the community.
4. They were responsible for counseling other members of the society.
5. To settle disputes among the society members.
6. They were regarded as retired producers of the society, but their ideas and skills were highly appreciated.