Land use dynamics and farmer-herder conflicts: A spatial analysis of case studies from Sudan and Nigeria

This study investigates how land use and land cover (LULC) dynamics intersect with farmer– herder conflicts (FHCs) in two contrasting contexts within the Sahelian and Sudano-Sahelian belt: Gadarif State in Sudan and Nasarawa State in Nigeria.

The study aims to understand how spatial changes in land systems contribute to rising competition over resources and to identify practical strategies for mitigating conflict. Specifically, it seeks to answer the question: what options for mitigating farmer–herder conflicts in Sudan and Nigeria are revealed by the analysis of spatial land use dynamics?

Using a mixed-methods approach, combining multi-temporal satellite imagery, geospatial analysis, field surveys, focus group discussions (FGDs), and key informant interviews (KIIs), the research highlights how evolving land systems drive tensions, and offers evidence-based options for reducing conflict through integrated land management and governance reforms. It builds on and complements earlier detailed qualitative analysis in the two geographical contexts on the causes of FHCs, and emphasises the key role land conversion plays.