THE
EVOLUTION OF INSTITUTIONS AND RULES GOVERNING COMMUNAL GRAZING LANDS IN BOTSWANA
Patricia
M. Makepe
Abstract:
This paper traces the tradition and evolution of the institutions and rules
governing communal grazing lands in Botswana. It shows how the problem of
resource overuse arose partly from the dismantling and delegitimization of
traditional resource management institutions that occurred during the colonial
period, and was later reinforced by a newly independent government, increased
market activity, high population pressure and other changes. While privatization
has been the most popular policy prescription to address the problem of resource
overuse, this paper highlights the potential role collective action can play in
addressing the problem of resource overuse as part of a community based resource
management strategy in parts of the country with poor ecological conditions and
high population density.
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