Question

In primitive societies, the entitlements to use land were frequently possessory rights rather than ownership rights. those on land could use it as they wished, but they could not transfer it to anyone else. one could acquire a new plot by simply occupying and using it, leaving the old plot available to someone else. would this type of entitlement system cause more or less incentive to conserve the land than an ownership entitlement? why?

Answer 1

In primitive societies, the entitlements to use land were possessory rights. That means a person was entitled to use the land in as many ways he can and also without any specified date for the termination of title. The lands were freely transferable too. That means, people did not have value attached to the land.

It is a well known fact that until we have to pay for something , we don't understand its real worth. People in primitive times used lands indiscriminately, without thinking of the adverse impact on the environment. There are so many example of land infertility caused by their slash and burn technique of agriculture.

Whereas in land ownership system, an individual pays for the land or has hereditary rights attached to it.. He is legally recognized as the rightful owner of the land. Here the individual will never compromise with the quality of the land, thus conserving the environment.