Deep-rooted causes of farmer–herder conflicts and impact on local food systems: Case studies from Sudan, Nigeria and Mali

This brief seeks to understand the causes and impacts of farmer–herder conflicts.

From:
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Published
6 February 2026
Country:
Mali, Nigeria and Sudan
Document Type:
Briefing
Theme:
Governance and Conflict
First published:
31 December 2025
Authors:
Flintan, F. , Nassef, M. , Ba, B. and El Hadji Ba, B.

Abstract

This brief seeks to understand the root causes and impacts of farmer–herder conflicts through a food production system and political economy lens. It emphasises relations and impacts on food systems while recognising the politicised nature of these conflicts.

This work is part of the Supporting Pastoralism and Agriculture in Recurrent and Protracted Crises  (SPARC) programme.

Citation

Flintan F and others. ‘Deep-rooted causes of farmer–herder conflicts and impact on local food systems: case studies from Sudan, Nigeria and Mali’ Policy Brief, London, UK: SPARC, 2025

Deep-rooted causes of farmer–herder conflicts and impact on local food systems: Case studies from Sudan, Nigeria and Mali

Updates to this page

Published 6 February 2026
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