Eastern Africa Social Science Research Review

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.