How the research was carried out

This study was carried out in full conformity with the ethical rules and guidelines on qualitative fieldwork research at the University of Leeds, and approved by this institute. The ethical approval letter, as well as the study’s themes and contents used in the interviews and FGDs are all contained in the appendices 1- 13.

At the operational level, the following key general features of how the research was carried out can be noted: The selection process for locations as well as participants for FGD and interviews; the selection of both date and time for the focus groups and interviews; the mode of invitation; the purpose and importance of the FGDs; the numbers of FGDs and interviews conducted; how the researcher gained access to both the community leaders, government and other private organisations; setting out standardized questions for both the focus groups and interviews; the use of some technical equipment like audio tape, reports and analysis for each focus groups and interviews; brief introduction on the day of FGDs; as well as issues of confidentiality and right of withdrawal. Most of these are contained in appendices while others are explained below.

The data collection started in June 2013 and was concluded in November 2013. After the whole process, the FGD and interviews transcriptions came to 96,039 words or approximately 318 pages. With the fieldwork completed, a formal data analysis and thesis write-up began, following the researcher’s return to United Kingdom.

6.5.3.1 Focus Groups Discussions

The researcher employed the help of a volunteer from some of the zones, to help gain access to both the community leaders and participants. The researcher brought together groups who use a common language (native or

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vernacular), to describe their challenges and experiences. To this, the researcher made use of “Pidgin English”12

, which almost everyone speaks and understands, whether in the rural or urban areas. Examples of Pidgin English are: “hawu yu dey” meaning “how you are?” “wetin de hapin?” meaning “what is happening?”, “Dem dey go dia chop rais” meaning “they are going there to eat rice” etc. This was used by the researcher in an effort to give all participants an opportunity to contribute without having to compete or struggle to talk. In all, the study had about 62 participants for the FGDs (see appendix 9 and 12).

Most of the meetings were held during the weekends and evenings, because many people have to go to their businesses or attend to their farms. At every meeting, the researcher, who arrived typically one hour before the start time, kept the place tidy and welcomed participants on arrival. Thereafter, the researcher explained the purpose of the meeting to them by way of a brief introduction (see appendix 4),13 and had them signed the consent form (see appendix 5),14, and those who could not sign, gave their consent through voice recording, though there were a few others who resisted both, due to religious reasons. The issue of confidentiality15 was also explained to them. Participants were given tags and made to sit in a rounded square for easy flow of discussion, based on the research themes and questions (see appendix 2). The environment and the atmosphere for the meeting were generally free from all forms of tensions, as the researcher tried as much as possible to hold back

12 _{‘Pidgin English’ in Nigeria is a common lingua franca spoken across the entire nation. Sometimes it is} called ‘Brokin English’. In his report, Ihemere, (2006) noted that it is a native language which approximately 160 million of Nigerians speak. Pidgin English is mainly used during informal conversations and in mixed gatherings where elites and non-elites are present. Additionally, there are other dialects spoken among the 250 ethnic groups in Nigeria.

13

Krueger, (1998b) opines that introduction in every FGDs is very important as it will produce a friendly environment for the discussion to arise - the success of the focus group depends critically on the introduction. A typical focus group introduction should include the following points: a welcome, a brief explanation of the topic to be discussed, the guidelines to be followed in the discussion and the first opening question.

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The need for the consent form is to adhere to ethical rules that advocate treating the participants with respect. This is done by using language that is well worded, informing the participants of the nature, time, and methods of the research, as well as how the research findings will be used (Stewart and Shamdasani, 1990). Consent can also be obtained verbally for people who may wish not to put down anything as a result of religious purpose or not being able to write. In the case of not being able to write or sign, use of tape recorder may help to get their consent. One has to be sure that there are one or two witnesses who are able to write and sign the consent form on their behalf. In the case of refusing to sign for religious reasons, consent should be taken using a tape recorder and making sure that there are one or two witnesses as well.

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The issue of confidentiality was made known to all the participants at the initial stage of the selection, for both FGDs discussions and interviews. Participants were advised that any information given will be treated with anonymity and without making it available for any other persons or purposes. Hence, all names of organizations, participants and communities for the FGDs discussion were anonymized. This is stated in the consent form, participant form and letter of invitations.

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his opinions. The researcher at times paused or probed to obtain more information (Krueger, 1998b). The researcher controlled all forms of verbal and non-verbal reactions towards participants, to provide an environment to express their views. Failure to do this would hamper their willingness to express themselves.

At the end of every meeting, which lasted not more than an hour, the researcher took an initiative of offering some refreshment to participants during the FGDs, but never gave out money to anyone. Thereafter, the researcher showed appreciation to participants, and when they were all gone, conducted a check, to see that the recorder did actually work during the session of the meeting, and then at home, set to transcribe the reports for proper analysis.

6.5.3.2 Interviews

The respondents from the organisations whether directors, deputy directors or staff members, were notified through a letter or invitation. The letter had the same content as was used in the case of FGDs, including the contact details of the researcher, the date, time and place of the interview, which were entirely at the discretion of the participants, because of their office schedules (see appendix 7 for the contents of the invitation letter). In other words, the researcher allowed them to determine the most convenient time and place for the interview. Nevertheless, the researcher persuaded participants to allow the meeting point to be at their offices, as this would be helpful, should there be need to make reference to any documents. About 2-3 days were given to respondents to decide whether they wanted to participate. Thereafter, the researcher, a day before the actual day of interview, reminded participants again and confirmed the time and place. The contacts were done mainly through phone calls.

During the actual interviews, the researcher travelled either by bus or taxi, always setting out on time due to bad roads. Before the beginning of interviews, the researcher explained, as in the case of FGDs, the purpose of the study and the confidential nature of the whole processes. Consent forms (see appendix 5) were signed, and thus began the interviews with introductory questions and main questions based on the theme of the research (see appendix 3). During the interviews, there were always probing questions that helped obtain more

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information on particular issues. Verbal and non-verbal reactions that might be detrimental to the respondents were avoided, in order to give them freedom of expression. Each interviews lasted between 40-60 minutes. The researcher later, during free periods especially in the evening, embarked on the transcription of the interview material for subsequent analysis.

Interviews conducted for the academics were mainly done either at the person’s home or in a park following invitation from the researcher, considering the insecurity issues in Nigeria especially from kidnappers and ‘Boko Haram’.