Custodians of the Commons

An examination of the conflicts facing traditional pastoralist societies within the developing nations of Africa. It shows how communal land tenure arrangements are essential not only for the survival of these societies but also to manage the pastures and rangelands in question.

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An examination of the conflicts facing traditional pastoralist societies within the developing nations of Africa. The book explores the forms of traditional land tenure and access to grazing resources, which are being increasingly eroded by modern forms of ownership and development. It shows how communal land tenure arrangements are essential not only for the survival of these societies but also to manage the pastures and rangelands in question. The case studies are by local experts. They cover Kenya, Mali, Senegal, Mauritania, Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda. Each looks at: the political and legal context, trends in pastoral development, causes of conflict, procedures for resolving conflict, and environmental implications.