Customary tenure systems

Customary tenure systems are traditional, community-based methods of land ownership and use, often rooted in customs, traditions, or local practices. They recognize historical rights and social relationships, rather than formal legal titles. Under these systems, land is often held communally or through specific arrangements that reflect local norms, prioritizing social bonds and long-standing usage. Such systems are common in rural areas of many countries and can coexist with formal laws, but they may lack official written documents. They emphasize cultural identity and communal sharing, shaping how land is accessed, used, and passed down across generations.