Post-praia progress toward tenure security and decentralization: Review of CILSS-member country legislative reforms

Abstract

While this report was solicited as a commentary on legislation per se, it is written in the spirit of recognizing the fundamental but not exclusive role of legislation in achieving sustainable and equitable resource use. Legislation is seen as an underlying framework upon which can be constructed enhanced local institutions that empower citizens to manage effectively and sustain their natural resource base. This framework should also generate an environment of increased tenure security which encourages citizens to use natural resources both more productively and responsibly.