The Land Matrix Initiative (LMI) is an independent global land monitoring initiative made up of a number of global and regional partners. The LMI database provides a systematic overview of large-scale land acquisitions in the Global South, capturing concluded deals along with intended and failed attempts to acquire land through purchase, lease, or concession. The database also collects information about the drivers and aims of production, which include agriculture, timber extraction, carbon trading, industry, renewable energy production, conservation, and tourism. In addition, a variety of variables are recorded, including impacts on local communities and indigenous peoples, such as compensatory actions and conflicts.

Data from the Land Matrix Initiative is used in LANDex for two indicators: indicator 9B.1 and 9C. For indicator 9B.1, LANDex relies on LMI data to identify cases where large-scale land acquisitions (LSLAs) included indications of conflict. For indicator 9C, LANDex used LMI data to identify deals where corrective action was taken against violators – if violations occured – and where promised benefits or compensation was received by affected communities. The final scores for both indicators are set on a scale from 0-100, and more detail on the cases in question can be found on the LMI platform, linked above.