The Commons

The Commons explores the many forms of development being championed by Africa’s residents, users, and citizens. In addition to managing property and shared tangible and intangible resources collectively, communities are experimenting with a concept of “commoning” founded on values such as community, engagement, reciprocity, and trust. In practice, their approach takes the form of land-based commons, housing cooperatives, hybrid cultural spaces or places for innovation, and collaborative digital platforms. The purpose of this book, where observation of historical and recent practices converges with new theories within commons scholarship, is not to promote commons themselves. Rather, it examines the tensions, drivers of change, and opportunities that surround commons dynamics in Africa.

An overview of this publication is also available in Swahili and in Arabic. For more on the Commons in Africa please also read : 

• Delivering public interest goods in Africa. Stopgap measures, state reform, and commons
• A “shared earth” approach to put biodiversity at the heart of the sustainable development in Africa