Abstract
This comparative study examines the persistence and function of Cultural Royalties and Tribute Payments to Traditional Authorities in modern commercial agricultural areas in Cameroon. The main objective was to analyse the diverse forms, socio-economic contexts, and functions of these payments in upholding traditional institutional power amid colonial legacies and contemporary market dynamics. Key concepts explored include chieftaincy, customary land tenure, and neo-traditional governance. The study is anchored in Structural-Functionalism, examining how these economic and cultural practices (tributes) serve as essential mechanisms for continuity, legitimising traditional authority and maintaining social equilibrium. The research design employed a qualitative, ethnographic methodology combining two distinct case studies: the Ndop Plain (Bamenda Grassfield) and Mbandjock (Baboute communities). The population comprises traditional rulers, community members, and administrative/plantation officials from both sites. A purposive sampling technique was used to select key informants, with the sample size of 134 determined by theoretical saturation requirements from the intensive fieldwork. The primary research instruments included semi-structured interview guides, direct observation, and archival reviews. The method of data collection involved extensive fieldwork, while the data was processed using thematic and interpretative analysis to identify recurring patterns and comparative differences. The findings of the study reveal that, despite modernisation, royalties and tributes persist as vital sources of legitimacy and local political economy for traditional institutions. The payments are interpreted as a problem of persistence and function continuous affirmation of the custodial role of traditional authorities over communal land, a critical perspective for understanding local resource management and power. The conclusion affirms that these systems are actively negotiated, evolving forms of local taxation. Suggestions include integrating traditional conflict resolution mechanisms into regional governance. The evidence-based recommendation is directed toward governmental recognition of these customary financial flows, advocating for inclusive local development policies that leverage traditional authority to enhance community benefits from plantation agriculture.
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