As land becomes scarcer and competition over resources escalates, land grabbing has emerged as a critical driver of conflict and displacement in Sudan, particularly in regions like al Butana. Large-scale mechanised farming and artisanal gold mining are increasingly encroaching upon communal rangelands, threatening the pastoralist way of life and destabilising local communities. 

Key insights include: 

• Pastoral land rights: Exploring the role of customary land tenure systems in Sudan and the risks posed by encroachment on communal rangelands. 

• Environmental impact: Highlighting the irreversible damage from mining and large-scale farming in Sudan’s fragile ecosystems. 

• Recommendations for aid actors: Offering practical guidance for aid organisations to navigate land rights and tenure issues responsibly, reduce conflict risks, and support the resilience of Sudanese communities. 

This analysis equips aid actors and policymakers with an in-depth understanding of the impacts of ongoing land grabbing in Sudan. By examining how weakened governance, environmental degradation, and land tenure issues converge to create a volatile environment, the paper provides actionable, conflict-sensitive recommendations that support the protection of Sudan’s pastoral systems and promote resilience in affected areas. 

Read the full report here: Land grabbing, artisanal gold mining and pastoralism in al Butana