The objective of this study was to characterise and map current land use in the Dur-Dur and Gebiley area of Somaliland. Land-use types were identifi ed through interpretation of land cover data, semistructured interviews and satellite image interpretation for a total area 12 939 km2. This information can be used to assist in making wise choices about land use, determining where best to locate new settlements, cropping, drainage, irrigation, where and when to apply new technologies and to respond to many other questions about management, use and conservation of the natural environment