John W. Bruce, Mark S. Freudenberger and Tidiane Ngaido (1995):
Old Wine in New Bottles:

6.5 Conclusions

Four major policy approaches exist:

• Replace customary tenure: Replacement of customary tenure systems in The Gambia with a freehold or leasehold system administered largely by the government;
• Co-manage natural resources: Establishment of collaborative arrangements with resource user groups and the government to jointly manage natural resources;
• Adapt customary tenure: Build upon strengths of customary tenure systems to better manage natural resources; and
• Laissez faire: No interference by government in tenure arrangements.

The first three options can coexist within The Gambia, though clear choices must be made by government to promote the particular approach in specific parts of the country. Tenure systems applied uniformly across the country are not necessarily required at this time in The Gambia.

The Government of The Gambia and interested donors should seek ways to promote greater public involvement, through various policy-dialogue mechanisms, in decisions affecting resource tenure.