ABSTRACT

This chapter discusses that instead of trying to ignore laws and claims on natural resources that originate outside the formal statutory system, policy makers and donor agencies should recognize the different bases for claiming property rights. It explains a consideration of the relationship between legal pluralism and property rights. The chapter explores a discussion of the relationship between legal pluralism and uncertainty. It analyses of the role of legal pluralism in post-conflict situations. Although legal pluralism can provide adaptive responses to ecological, livelihood, and social or political uncertainty, it can generate or increase knowledge uncertainty. The chapter explores the linkages between legal pluralism and different types of uncertainty. Fluctuations in the natural resource base call for different sets of rules to deal with different situations, and legal pluralism expands the available repertoire of rules. In general, the prevalence of legal pluralism calls for greater humility in policies and programs.