Erosion of common property resources: Evidence from villages in the dryzone districts of Sri Lanka

Common property resources form a major agricultural resource base in the villages of Sri Lanka, but they have deteriorated in recent years. This research study was conducted in two districts of Sri Lanka to investigate the major causes of the erosion of the common property resources. The irregular felling of trees for timber, clearing and the burning of forests for rainfed rotational cultivation were evident in the study villages. The over-grazing of the communal pastures is not a serious problem due to the low cattle/buffalo population. The income from the common property resources is significant in the drier districts.