A self-adaptive algorithm to enforce fairness executes on nodes in an ad hoc wireless network. Each node is configured to measure or estimate the utilization of the RF channel in its neighborhood and then share this information with its neighboring nodes. In this way, the nodes learn about the traffic flows within their neighborhood and may determine the competing flows. Based on the information about the competing flows, each node then determines the fair share of RF channel usage. The fair share may be computed by dividing the total time that all competing flows use the RF channel by the number of competing flows. Traffic flows using more than the computed fair share of channel access are slowed down to allow more access to the RF channel for flows that are not getting their fair share.