Customary Rights

Customary rights are longstanding practices or permissions regarding land or resources that communities have traditionally used, recognized by law even if they don’t hold formal ownership titles. These rights often include grazing animals, collecting water, or farming in specific areas, based on community customs passed down through generations. Unlike legal property ownership, customary rights are based on social agreements and cultural practices, providing local communities with use rights that are respected and protected within legal frameworks. They help ensure that customary populations can continue their traditional livelihoods while balancing broader land management needs.