At Land Conflict Watch (LCW), over 35 researchers use multiple sources to track natural-resources disputes, depending on where they are based and which source is accessible.

Data about each dispute is collected on various points. The numbers are taken from government records, independent research studies, or directly from affected parties.

An important part of this exercise is to verify the existence of each dispute and associated facts using more than one source. Although most cases of disputes are identified from media reports, they are verified by collecting additional documents.

The data collected are periodically analysed to look for emerging patterns and thematic issues to draw insights for responsible and secure natural-resources transactions.

LCW has built the country’s first and only database of ongoing land and resource conflicts. Their research aims to facilitate decision-making that helps in resolving and minimising such conflicts.