Crime, organised criminal gangs, conflict, food chain fraud and modern slavery are all issues affecting the global agriculture industry.

The Group recognises that wherever there is instability, be it economic, political or civil unrest then organised crime will gain a foothold and exploit vulnerabilities in the rural and farming economy, 

The Rural Security Research Group is an interdisciplinary team of criminologists, behavioural scientists, geographers, and agriculturalists brought together to help identify and address emerging risks to the rural economy and food chain. 

We work with the agricultural industry, NGOs, International Organisations, policy makers, law enforcement officials and communities to build effective evidence based resilient responses to issues.

Our experience

The team are active in both research and advisory roles to a range of institutions and are supported by a number of national and international sponsors.  Collectively we have undertaken work in Afghanistan, Nigeria, Oman, The Philippines, Myanmar, the United States, Australia, Canada as well as many European nations. 

The Rural Security Research Group offers a point of contact for information, advice and expertise, highlighting and demonstrating best practice within the rural community and beyond.

Key areas of interest

• Organised crime and organised criminal gangs in the rural context.
• Modern slavery and human trafficking in agricultural systems and food chains.
• Emerging criminal risk to rural and food businesses.

What can we offer? 

• Applied research on rural crime and criminality.
• Capacity building and support to policy makers and organisations.
• Development and delivery of training packages.
• Delivery of postgraduate education and training from MRes to PhD.

Group members

Click on a profile for details of their research expertise and projects they are currently involved in: