Common property resources and privatisation trends in Southern Africa

Abstract

Access to common property resources (CPRs) is a significant part of the land resource base and therefore the livelihoods of many poor rural people. However, despite their central importance, CPRs are declining throughout the world due to neglect, under- investment, expropriation and mismanagement. Other factors contributing to this phenomenon include inappropriate policies and weak community institutions; the actions of powerful and influential elites; unequal socio-economic and political relations; and the impacts of globalisation. Over-exploitation of CPRs, through unsustainable harvesting, and privatisation of CPRs through legal processes or illegal seizures, are commonplace. Both have major environmental and livelihood consequences. The decline of CPRs is accompanied by rising poverty among the poor people most dependent on them.