The evolution of collective land tenure regimes in pastoralist societies: Lessons from Andean countries
This research paper (PDF) from the ELLA Programme, aims to analyse how land tenure regimes of pastoralist societies living in the Andean altiplano have transformed over the last 50 years. It also discusses the implications of these transformations for the sustainability of resource management in these areas, based on the premise that a better understanding of customary land tenure regimes can help to inform public policy and decision making. This study employs a historical institutional analysis method to examine a specific case study: the land tenure regimes in the highlands of Caylloma Province in Arequipa. The authors first explain changes to land tenure regimes and the main drivers. Next, the implications of these processes for the sustainability of resource management are explored. Findings show that land tenure regimes in pastoralist societies have changed over time in order to adapt to new environmental, political and economic conditions. Two main external drivers for change have been state intervention and market development. The paper gives several recommendations for policy makers, including the promoting of collective land tenure regimes by stimulating the formation of herders’ associations as a way of improving access to collective pastures.