Data collection techniques and Tools

Desk review was conducted in order to collect existing data. This secondary data was obtained by consulting relevant documents, both published and unpublished to form an overview and identified gaps in information. Additional data on the study area was obtained from Malawi Red Cross Society and UNHCR staff and Government extension officers. In addition, internet based literature search was done to get more information. Primary data was collected through oral interviews with selected households. The assessment tools were structured questionnaire for households and key informants and a focus group discussion guide for local leaders.

Before data collection started, four research assistants were recruited and employed to help with data collection. These research assistants were trained for three days and the training content for the interviewers included the following: purpose/rationale of the research; clarification of sampling frame and procedures, roles and responsibilities of interviewers; how to conduct interviews and FGDs; review of questionnaires for familiarization; recording of answers; translation of questionnaires into the local language (specifically Chichewa), and back translation into English; identification and interpretation of key words to ensure consistency; ethical issues; data quality; review of study logistics; and research ethics.

3.3.1 Quantitative Data Collection

One structured questionnaire was developed and administered to selected households around the refugee camp and the forest reserves. The questionnaire focused on forestry products which both the refugees and communities around the camp collect, produce and sell as a source of energy, the effects of utilizing these forestry products on the environment, an estimate of amounts collected, consumed, sold and their seasonality. Information was also collected on factors influencing production and consumption of these forestry products as energy sources, income gained after selling forestry products and how it was utilized; livestock and assets which the households own and how they acquired them; crop production, land holding sizes and whether there were any improvements on the land they own.

The questionnaire was administered in face to face interviews after obtaining consent from the respondents. All these interviews were conducted in a secure, quiet and private place with no interferences from the public and ensured the confidentiality of the respondent. Thestudy instruments were pre-tested in a non-study area in order to assess the clarity of the questions, the precision of the translation and the coded responses (in the case of questionnaires). At the selected households, the interviewers explained the purpose of the study and invited the head of the household to participate by completing an administered structured interview.

Each participant was asked to give his or her consent to participate in the study. Once consent was given, the enumerators continued with the interview. In addition to the details of the survey, interviewers elaborated on the issues of anonymity of the process and confidentiality of the results to each potential participant. There were no personal identifiers, such as names, addresses or phone numbers collected during this survey. Each interview lasted for 60 minutes. After the interview has been completed, each enumerator read through the questionnaire to check for errors and unclear responses. Any errors were corrected before enumerators left the house of the respondent.

3.3.2 Qualitative Data Collection

This qualitative assessment was conducted in the same area as a follow up to the quantitative assessment. Qualitative data was collected from participants using key informants and focus group discussions. In total, six key informants and four focus group discussions were conducted. This data helped in explaining and understanding the results from the questionnaire. Key informant interviews and focus group discussions yielded a lot of valuable information about the activities the different segments of the population in the area do practice and impact on the environment.

3.3.2.1 Key Informant Interviews

Organizations working with the refugees and the community at large in environment were consulted and any available information was obtained. These organizations were government departments, non -governmental organizations, other networks or associations. These organizations were helpful in identifying key informants to participate in the Key Informant Interviews. Key informants (KI) are individuals who provided significant insight into the study topic. Each organization was asked to identify one person who has stayed in Dowa for over 3 years and was aware of the situation at the Dzaleka camp. Following this selection by each department, appointments were made with the selected individuals. On the day of the interview, each KI signed a consent form and the interview began. Six key informant interviews were conducted and each lasted approximately sixty minutes. Out of the six KI, four were men and two were women. The list of the KI is listed in annex 4.

3.3.2.2 Focus Group Discussions

The team which conducted focus group discussion was composed of a facilitator and two note takers who followed a predetermined interview checklist to direct discussions among groups comprised of six to twelve people. The study team selected respondents in liaison with community leaders. The first point was to identify the site where to conduct the discussions. Only sites which were private, safe, secure and away from the public were chosen.

This was followed by identifying influential leaders who were committee members, local leaders, non-governmental organization, gatekeepers, and heads of institution in case of those in employment or chiefs for the local community, including refugees. Once identified, they were briefed on the objective of the survey and asked for their participation. If the leaders identified were eligible and interested in participating, they were taken to an agreed private location for consent formalities. Once the consent procedures were completed, the facilitator started the discussions. Facilitators were accompanied by note takers who were responsible for taking notes during the discussions. Four focus group discussions were conducted, two (2) comprised of females and the other two (2) comprised of men. In total, 37 leaders comprised of 19 women and 18 men participated in all four discussions. A focus group discussion checklist was developed and used for discussions with community leaders. Focus group discussion topics include: community leaders’ perception of the status of refugees in the community; their perception of the problems related to environment management in support for refugees; their involvement in managing the environment. All tools (questionnaires and discussion checklist) were translated into Chichewa. Call backs were done where necessary.