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Background to the Problem
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Common Property Resources (CPRs) are an important form of natural resources.
The following features characterize these resources:
a) Consumption generates externalities in the form of subtraction from the total
stock of resource;
b) It is difficult to apply the exclusion principle.
Such resources perform an important function in both production and consumption of
rural households. They are also an important source of employment and form an
essential component of the social security system. Finally, in many cases, resource
users have themselves established rules to exclude outsiders and control resource
use. The creation of such common property resource institutions has ensured
sustainability of such resources.
Objectives of Project
Our objective was to analyse the process of evolution of CPR institutions as a
response to resource degradation.
Short-term Objectives
Collective action is necessary to create new CPR regimes or modify existing ones.
We sought to examine the factors that were relevant in this process –either
encouraging collective action, or hindering such attempts.
Long-term Objectives
This would enable us to demarcate areas where meaningful policy intervention can
help to enhance the indigenous capacity to manage the environment.
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