Large-Scale Land Acquisitions, Rural Change, and Social Conflict

The project relies on a nested mixed-methods research design that combines quantitative and qualitative approaches. Firstly, we will use available data to assess patterns of and correlations between investments and conflict events. We associate data on the presence (incl. duration) of land investments and conflict outcomes.

Secondly, we will collect quantitative data from two case studies in regions with a high incidence of large-scale land acquisitions: West Africa and South East Asia. Specifically, we will conduct two household surveys in selected rural sites in Liberia and Indonesia.

Thirdly, these quantitative analyses will be complemented by in-depth qualitative studies of selected cases. The cases will be selected to be exemplary of specific combinations of realizations of conflict outcomes, intervening variables, and context factors