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While overgrazing is widely recognized as one of the primary drivers of desertification, unlike other environmental problems, many countries have not taken basic measures to address it. After considering the sociological and biological dynamics associated with the phenomenon, the article reviews polices designed to reach sustainable levels of grazing that have been adopted in several countries. Establishing and implementing ’stocking limits’ which ensure that land’s carrying capacity is not exceeded have proven to be highly effective. The article reviews how such limits are set and responds to critics of such policies, arguing that in countries with pastoral populations, command and control provisions to limit grazing should be a critical component of national efforts to protect the commons. Copyright (C) 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.