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. 2022 Mar 29;9(1):116.
doi: 10.1038/s41597-022-01198-5.

Introducing AfroGrid, a unified framework for environmental conflict research in Africa

Justin Schon  1 , Ore Koren  2
Affiliations

Introducing AfroGrid, a unified framework for environmental conflict research in Africa

Justin Schon et al. Sci Data. .

Abstract

In this study, we present Afro-Grid: an integrated, disaggregated 0.5-degree grid-month dataset on conflict, environmental stress, and socioeconomic features in Africa covering 1989-2020, intended to propel research on these issues forward. Afro-Grid offers several important extensions for researchers and policymakers, including: (i) standardizing (using established methods) data sources on conflict, environmental stress, and socio economic factors across spatial and temporal scales; (ii) combining these data into a single, openly-available file, maximizing the accessibility of these data for researchers and policymakers regardless of their software background; and (iii) including NDVI and dual-series harmonized night lights series that have traditionally not been accessible to researchers without advanced computational expertise. Using a series of comparative regressions at the grid-month and grid-year levels, combined with reporting descriptive statistics and visualizations, we illustrate that this temporally and geographically disaggregated dataset provides valuable extensions for research related to the climate-conflict nexus and the role of socioeconomic features in shaping conflict trends, as well as for research and data-driven policy on development and conflict.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
NDVI (mean), NDVI (min) and NDVI (max) AfroGrid values for June 2011.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Temperature (mean), Precipitation (mean), Temperature (anomaly), Precipitation (anomaly), and SPEI AfroGrid values for June 2011.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
NL (sum) and Population AfroGrid values for June 2011.
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Sample AfroGrid State Based Conflict Indicators (ACLED and GED data) for June 2011.
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Sample AfroGrid Non-State Based Conflict Indicators (ACLED and GED data) for June 2011.
Fig. 6
Fig. 6
Sample AfroGrid State Based Violence against Civilians Indicators (ACLED, GED, and PITF WAD data) for June 2011.
Fig. 7
Fig. 7
Sample AfroGrid Protests and Riots Indicators (ACLED and SCAD data) for June 2011.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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