Returning to Farmland After Conflict: Key Steps

Before returning to farmland after conflict, farmers must first assess and mitigate explosive ordnance risks, then check soil, water, and infrastructure safety before resuming full agricultural activity. This article outlines the essential steps, from initial safety sweeps to soil testing and livestock care, so you can make informed decisions and protect your family and livelihood.

in t | Time since conflict ended | months | 6 | 0 | 120
in a | Area of farmland | hectares | 10 | 0.1 | 10000
in c | Estimated contamination level (1-5) | - | 3 | 1 | 5
out risk | Overall risk score | - | (c * 20) + (t * 2) | 0
out rec | Recommended action | - | if(risk > 60, 'High risk - professional survey required', if(risk > 30, 'Moderate risk - visual inspection and soil tests', 'Lower risk - proceed with caution')) | 0

Formula

The risk score is calculated as:

Risk Score = (Contamination Level × 20) + (Months Since Conflict × 2)

Where:

• Contamination Level (1-5): Your estimate of how likely the land is to contain unexploded ordnance (UXO) or other hazards. 1 = low likelihood, 5 = high likelihood (e.g., known battles or heavy shelling).
• Months Since Conflict: The number of months since active fighting ceased in your area. More time typically allows for clearance efforts, but not always.

The score ranges from 22 (lowest) to 140 (highest). Higher scores indicate greater risk and the need for more thorough professional assessment.

Worked Example

Using the default values from the calculator:

• Time since conflict ended: 6 months
• Area of farmland: 10 hectares
• Estimated contamination level: 3 (moderate)

Risk Score = (3 × 20) + (6 × 2) = 60 + 12 = 72

Since 72 is greater than 60, the recommended action is “High risk – professional survey required.� This means you should not enter the land without expert guidance.

Understanding the Risk Score

This calculator gives you a rough, non-professional estimate. It is not a substitute for a formal risk assessment by a qualified demining organization. The score helps you decide whether to invest in a professional survey first, or whether you can proceed with basic precautions.

Interpret the score as:

• 22-40: Lower risk. You may begin visual inspections and basic soil tests, but still watch for suspicious objects.
• 41-60: Moderate risk. Conduct a thorough visual inspection, consider a professional spot-check, and avoid disturbing soil until you are more certain.
• 61-140: High risk. Do not enter the land. Contact a recognized mine action organization immediately.

First Steps After Conflict

Before stepping foot on your land, gather information. Talk to local authorities, humanitarian organizations, and neighboring farmers about what happened in your area. Were there battles, shelling, or military installations? Has any clearance already been done? This knowledge shapes your next actions.

If the area was heavily affected, wait for a formal clearance. Many countries have national mine action centers that coordinate surveys and removal. They often prioritize agricultural land because it is essential for food security and livelihoods.

Soil and Water Testing

Conflict can leave behind more than explosives. Heavy metals from munitions, fuel, and other contaminants may have seeped into the soil and water. Before planting, test for:

• Heavy metals like lead, mercury, and cadmium.
• Fuel and oil residues from vehicles and generators.
• pH and salinity changes from fires or chemical spills.

Water sources—wells, ponds, streams—should also be tested. Boiling water kills pathogens but does not remove chemicals. If you cannot afford lab tests, look for local agricultural extension services or NGOs that offer free testing in post-conflict zones.

Infrastructure and Machinery Checks

Buildings, fences, and machinery may have been damaged or booby-trapped. Do not enter structures until they have been inspected by professionals. Look for signs of tampering: wires, unusual objects, or disturbed soil near doors.

When checking machinery:

• Inspect fuel lines, brakes, and tires for damage.
• Check for hidden explosives in seats, engines, or undercarriages.
• Have a mechanic with post-conflict experience review everything before starting engines.

Livestock and Crop Considerations

If you had animals, they may have been abandoned or killed. Do not consume animals that died from unknown causes. For surviving livestock, check for injuries, disease, and exposure to contaminated feed or water. Quarantine them until a vet gives the all-clear.

For crops, do not harvest anything that may have absorbed contaminants. Test produce for heavy metals if there is any chance of soil contamination. In the first season, consider planting non-food crops (like cotton or timber) or cover crops to help restore soil health while you monitor conditions.

Common Mistakes and Misconceptions

A common mistake is assuming that “no visible signs� means safe. Explosive remnants can be buried deep or hidden by vegetation. Another is rushing to clear land with homemade tools, which is extremely dangerous.

Some farmers believe that burning vegetation makes the land safe, but fire can actually detonate explosives or make them more unstable. Similarly, using heavy machinery without a professional survey can trigger buried ordnance.

Financial and Logistical Help

Returning to farmland is costly. Look for international aid programs, government compensation schemes, or NGOs that provide seeds, tools, and grants to returnees. Many organizations also offer training on safe farming practices in post-conflict settings.

Keep records of all expenses and damage for potential claims. Photograph everything before you touch it. This documentation is vital for aid applications and insurance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I just walk my land to check for explosives?

No. Walking on potentially contaminated land can be fatal. Always wait for a professional survey or at least a visual inspection by someone trained in UXO recognition. If you must enter, stay on existing paths and avoid touching anything unusual.

How long does it take for soil to become safe after conflict?

There is no fixed timeline. It depends on the type and amount of contamination. Explosives can remain dangerous for decades. Chemical contaminants may break down over time, but some persist for years. Testing is the only way to know.

What should I do if I find a suspicious object?

Stop immediately. Do not touch, move, or throw anything at it. Mark the spot from a safe distance and report it to local authorities or a mine action organization. Keep others, especially children, away from the area.

Is it safe to eat crops from land that was not directly bombed?

Not necessarily. Contaminants can travel through wind and water. If the land is within a few kilometers of conflict sites, test the soil and crops for heavy metals before consuming them. When in doubt, discard the harvest.

Can I use my old tractor after it sat for years?

Only after a thorough inspection by a qualified mechanic. Check for animal nests, corroded fuel lines, and damaged wiring. Also, have the mechanic look for hidden explosives, especially if the area was used by military forces.

Where can I get help with clearance and testing?

Contact the national mine action authority in your country, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), or local NGOs that specialize in post-conflict recovery. They can direct you to free or low-cost services.

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