Pastoralism and Common Pool Resources

The grazing of animals on common land and associated property rights were the original basis of the concept of "the tragedy of the commons". This book questions the application of exclusive property rights to mobile pastoralism and rangeland resource governance and argues that this approach inadequately represents property relations in the context of common pool resources. The author presents an in-depth exploration and analysis of the history and current status of mobile pastoral production and management in Mongolia. The country is widely considered to be a prime example of successful and resilient common pool resource management, but now faces a dilemma as policy advocates attempt to adjust historical pastoralism to a modern property regime framework, and to legislate clearly defined and exclusive property rights to pastoral resources. Based on extensive research and comprehensive review of the history of land tenure in pastoralism, it is shown that property relations in pastoralism and rangeland resource governance is embedded historically in the integrated pastoral production management system in Mongolia, extending beyond exclusive property rights and property regimes. The book stengthens understanding of the complex and multilateral considerations involved in natural resource governance and management in a mobile pastoralist context. It provides insights into local, national and international level politics and the various actors involved including governments, herding communities and private sector stake-holders. Drawing on the classic work of Elinor Ostrom, the book presents implications for common pool resource management and pastoral societies in Africa, the Middle East, Russia and China and includes recommendations for formulating national policy.