ABSTRACT
Traditional sub-Saharan pastoralist systems are characterized by mobility, which allows pastoralists to respond to the “patchy” nature of rainfall and pasture. In many cases, multiple groups can use an area and have different types of property rights. This chapter develops a model that incorporates the key features of traditional property rights using fuzzy sets, and examines when the traditional system will be privately and socially preferable to private property and common property systems. The chapter concludes by discussing the implications for policies regarding land management institutions, including when it may be desirable to strengthen the traditional system.
