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, they 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.
It also considers to what extent these forms of development might contribute to constructing and initiating a continentwide innovative political project that nonetheless respects Africa’s diversity.