Analyzing and Addressing Localized Degradation in the Commons

Economists have argued that commonly held African rangelands are suffering widespread degradation due to overstocking. However, in many areas, degradation is localized rather than widespread. Current common property models are insufficient for analysis of such degradation. A model is developed identifying conditions leading to spatial differences in rangeland condition. Analysis of longitudinal data on herder landuse decisions follows. Results suggest the herd size reductions recommended by current common property models are of limited effectiveness in combating localized degradation due to user and resource heterogeneity. Directly addressing incentives leading to poor spatial distribution of livestock is proposed as an alternative.