Common property resources and privatisation trends in Southern Africa
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Date
2004
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Institute for Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies, University of the Western Cape
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.
Description
Keywords
Common property, Privatisation, Southern Africa, Sub-regions, Land policy
Citation
Saruchera, M. et al. (2004). Common property resources and privatisation trends in southern Africa. Policy Brief 15, Bellville: Institute for Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies, University of the Western Cape