97 n Study methodology Data for the study was gathered mainly through literature review and focus group discussions (FGDs). The literature review consisted of content analysis of the following main documents: n n n n n Annual Report of the Supreme Court Land conflict reports in four major newspapers Reports form 12 CSRC District Land Rights Forums National Human Rights Commission reports Other published and unpublished reports from government and NGOs A focus group discussion was conducted with government agency representatives, NGOs involved in land rights issues, media and other advocates and experts. Limitations of the study Firstly, the study covered only 12 districts and information was collected for a six-month period only. Even within 12 districts, it is possible that the study did not cover all the land related conflicts that occurred during the period. Secondly, this study is heavily based on secondary sources of information. This is mainly because of the limited availability of information on the study subject. OVERVIEW OF LAND AND RESOURCE CONFLICTS IN THE COUNTRY Nature of the conflicts In Nepal, the most common forms of land-related conflicts include conflict over boundaries and land demarcation, conflict between tenants and landlords, encroachment of public land, control of guthi2 land and its revenues, land registration and cancellation, and conflict over inheritance (Sharma et al., 2014). Squatting, expropriation of land for infrastructure, and land reform issues, are other common causes of conflict. In Nepal’s case, informal tenure has been problematic in terms of securing the rights of cultivators and inhabitants. Informal tenure may or may not have 2 Guthi refers to land allocated for religious purposes. Nepal Land Conflict Monitoring Report What kinds of conflict resolution mechanisms are in place? Which mechanism work and why?