Frithjof Kuhnen (1996):
Synthesis of Current State of and Trends in Land Tenure and Land Policy in Asia

3.2.3 Common Property

Here, land belongs to groups that are larger than the nuclear family and that are often based on kinship, political or ethnic ties. Individuals have rights on the basis of their group membership. These rights usually last for a lifetime and can be reactivated at any moment or stopped when cultivation is given up for one reason or another. This right is often the most important form of social security which guarantees subsistence and livelihood as long as one is able to cultivate. It exists among minorities, aborigines and similar groups, mainly in backward areas. It prevents outsiders from coming and buying land rights for cash which is soon spent, leaving the sellers without any means.

The fact that the individual receives his share of common resources free or at minimal costs, while the proceeds from use represent his private income, constitutes a problem. This tends to lead to an excessive use, a misuse and degradation of resources. Here, long-term allocation or strict supervision is necessary, but difficult to implement.

While the system is of benefit to backward groups, it is difficult to improve as far as production and productivity are concerned.