The Implication of Cultural Practices On Church-Based Development Among the Dinka in South Sudan

Abstract

This study explored the implications of cultural practices on church-based development among the Dinka in South Sudan, examining how traditional customs influence socio-economic engagement within faith-based initiatives. The research highlighted the intersection between cultural traditions, religious beliefs, and development efforts, identifying both opportunities and challenges that arise when integrating Dinka cultural norms into church-led socio-economic programs. Using an ethnographic qualitative approach, the study employed semi-structured interviews, key informant interviews, open-ended questionnaires, participant observation, and document analysis to capture the lived experiences of church leaders, community elders, and local congregation members. The study was anchored on three theoretical perspectives: Cultural Relativism, Social Capital Theory, and Participatory Development Theory, which provided a comprehensive framework for understanding the dynamics of development initiatives within Dinka communities. The findings revealed that Dinka cultural practices—such as communal resource sharing, cattle-based wealth systems, and marriage customs—play a significant role in shaping socioeconomic interactions. In contrast, cultural pride and collective responsibility foster economic resilience. Traditional gender roles, polygamy, and a preference for cattle herding over formal education present challenges to modernization and inclusive development. Cultural pride and collective responsibility contribute to economic resilience; however, traditional gender roles, polygamy, and a preference for cattle herding over formal education pose challenges to modernization and inclusive development. The study also identified a hybridization of Christian faith and ancestral beliefs, indicating an evolving religious landscape that presents both opportunities for community cohesion and challenges in aligning church teachings with entrenched cultural norms. This study offers a culturally sensitive perspective on church-based development initiatives, emphasizing the importance of aligning faith-driven interventions with local traditional values. The study recommended that churches leverage communal traditions for cooperative economic projects, advocate for educational and vocational training in conjunction with cultural preservation and implement initiatives that respect local customs while promoting socio-economic transformation. By integrating participatory development approaches, church-led organizations can effectively bridge cultural heritage and modern socio-economic opportunities, fostering sustainable and inclusive development among the Dinka.