The Tragedy or the Benefits of the Commons? Common Property and Environmental Protection

This paper attempts to identify the essential elements of the communal land tenure system which contributed to the sustainable use of resources in Africa. A number of factors which could enhance and preserve the sustainable use of communal land tenure systemS (given the socio-economic changes that have taken place) are discussed. Hardin's (1968) idea that resources held in common are likely to be over-exploited is re-examined. According to Hardin, in a communal pasture system. ''Each man is locked into a system that compels him to increase his herd without limit in a world that is limited. Ruin is the destination toward which all men rosh, each pursuing his own interest in a society that believes in the freedom of the commons. Freedom in a commons brings ruin to all". According to Hardin. since there is no teChnicalsolution to this problem. the government must limit the freedom in the commons or undertake privatization of common resources. The paper argues that in most of Africa. conditions are not in favour of individually owned pastures and that Hardin's reasoning ignores the advantages of common land tenure systemS. Pula: Botswana Journal of African Studies Vol. 9 No 1