Research methods and data

A research method is a tool for collecting data (Berge 2007). In critical realism, research methods could either be quantitative or qualitative in nature. Qualitative research methods are also categorized as either intensive while quantitative research methods are described as extensive (Sayer 2000:21). This study is categorised as intensive as it used qualitative methods. Qualitative research attempts to find answers to questions through an in-depth analysis of qualitative data from different social settings in order to understand how people structure and give meaning to their daily lives (Berg 2007). Sayer (2000) warns that because social practices are influenced by ideas that may be true or not true, if not critically examined, it may lead to failure to understand the phenomenon under study.

In this study, the capability approach was very useful in guiding the various aspects for data collection, recalling that this approach takes into account of non-income variables of poverty. Out of the various qualitative research methods which are used in the social sciences, the study used semi-structured interviews, life histories, key informant interviews and observations which can be used in the critical realism.

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These methods were deemed appropriate because they enable researchers to understand different social construction of meanings and knowledge (Berg 2007). In order to address the research question, data was collected on assets owned, livelihood strategies, use of cash, supporting programs and institutions, targeting, role of CSPC and amount of cash transfers. The interview schedule is attached in the appendix while the research methods are listed in Table 5.

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Source Tool/ Method Scale Strength Weakness

Cash Transfer

Interviews 5 key staff Information on

implementation experiences

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The first formal contact with Machinga District Assembly was on 4 May 2009 while the Ministry of Women and Children’s Affairs granted the permission to collect data on 27 May 2009. Actual data collection started on 5 August 2009 and completed on 12 December 2009.

3.5.1 Semi-structured interviews

The study conducted 31 formal semi-structured interviews out of 71 recipients in T/A Mlomba in Machinga district, Malawi between 5 August and 12 December 2009. The recipients were registered in March 2008 but stopped receiving transfer in December 2008 due to funding problems, a period of 8 months. By the time I was undertaking my research, they had stayed 8 months without receiving the transfers.

The original plan was to interview 71 households but data reached saturation at 31 interviews. The 71 recipients comprised three clusters, namely: Nampemba, MgOverseas Development Institute and Chimwankhunda. Nampemba had 27 recipients, MgOverseas Development Institute had 23 and Chimwankhunda had 22 totalling to 71 recipients. In addition, there were follow up interviews on some households depending on the issues that were emerging. The interviews aimed at collecting data on a number of variables which were taken as the main areas related to the research question. The main areas of focus were household characteristics, means of living before and after joining the scheme, assets owned before and after the scheme, exit strategies, linkages with other programs and institutions and role of community social protection committee.

In all the interviews, a minimum of two members of the social protection committee were present. This approach was meant to ensure trust of the committee members

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and the households being interviewed. The interviews were conducted in Chichewa but in some cases I had to use an interpreter because some of the recipients were not fluent in Chichewa although they could understand. Data was recorded on an interview sheet. I also had a journal for taking notes.

3.5.2 Key informant interviews

Key informant interviews were undertaken with key social protection personnel. I spent substantial amounts of time with Social Protection National Desk Officer, Mr Reagan Kaluluma who provided me with reports and project documentation. He was the link with the Ministry of Women and Child Development in Lilongwe.

Other key informants were the Machinga district assembly staff. These are the district social protection desk officer, Mr Kampapa, the District Commissioner, Mr Makonokaya and the Director of Planning and Development, Mr Luhanga. At community level, I also interviewed one extension worker, Mr Walaka of Masindi Deep Tank who provided useful information regarding veterinary services at community level.

3.5.3 Focus group discussions

Focus group discussions aim at discussing a specific topic (Burnham et al.

2004:105). The idea is to have an in-depth understanding of an issue. Focus group discussion in this study was conducted with the CSPC only (see Appendix 4). This was to allow for an in depth understanding of the implementation issues such as targeting, monitoring and other project specific issues. Focus groups are also quite useful in discussing sensitive issues. One focus group discussion took place with the

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committee members. There are 12 members of the committee who share the impact area which is divided in three zones. Each zone is under the responsibility of four members.

3.5.4 Life history data

Some data was also collected using life histories in order to understand factors related to how their lives have been shaped over time. Coninck and Drani (2009) observed that poverty in old age is likely to be linked to conditions and events that occur earlier in life. They also point out that it is these personal histories that leave some women more vulnerable than others as they enter their retirement years. Thus, they argue that poverty may, in fact, be virtually unavoidable for many older women given their lifelong experiences. Therefore, the economic status of many poor older women may simply reflect the cumulative effect of weak employment histories, financial and marital instability, and an overall lack of opportunity for asset accumulation and provision for retirement.

A total of 14 life histories were undertaken during the same period from 5 August to 12 December 2009. These 14 life history data sample was from the same 71 recipients. Some of the interviews were on the semi-structured interviews while others were from recipients who were not interviewed. The idea of life histories was to enrich the data collected from semi-structured interviews. Most of the life histories just followed a simple leading question to explain their background, when they were born, where, their family life and how they have progressed in life up to the present.

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In addition to the interviews, I also conducted some interviews on 15 non-beneficiaries out of the ones who did not manage to qualify in the scheme. It should be noted here that what is recorded are just sentiments and may not represent exclusion errors. At the time of research, details for these households were not available and it was not possible to do a comparative analysis with households benefitting from the scheme.

I found that life histories provided rich data which helped me to understand the transmission mechanisms of poverty from one generation to another. This data also provided insights into the causes and the consequences of poverty. The main keys issues that emerged out of these interviews were: failure to access education because their parents could not afford school fees and going into early marriage as way of dealing with poverty. However, the interview data also shows that although getting into early marriage was seen as a solution, in the end it only made the situation even worse as most of these recipients were caught up in poverty again.

In addition, life history data shows some gendered dimensions of poverty. Some women were forced to marry through cultural norms, while some resorted to getting married as a last resort. This shows some limitations in their choices and also the idea of dependency on their spouses.

3.5.5 Observations

While collecting data, observations were also made regarding the general living conditions and welfare of the recipients. This was noted in a journal and sometimes

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recorded using a still camera. Data from observations also provided an insight in understanding the context of the scheme.