Conducting Rural Based Research

The ''Behind the Scenes'' of research for development especially in rural and hard to reach areas often times is mostly exaggerated and we are in a hurry to get the fine prints out - the straight to the point approach on what we intend to get out of research.

But we undermine possibilities and im-possibilities of engaging in rural based research to identify needs particularly of vulnerable population and some most at risk.

Preparation! for field data collection in these settings goes beyond packing up a bag, vaccine and preventive medication, getting ethical approvals, knowing one or 2 persons around the area and even taking a crash course to learn the language. All very useful- but there is more. Having engaged in some and learnt from professionals, there are added skills to build on as much as possible.

Basic experience for a somewhat successful field study especially with getting respondents to engage in the studies; 1. Know your study subject. Beyond the research goals, desire to meet deadlines and memorising questions to be asked for flow, having further understanding of the aims particularly to different anticipated audience is essential. Experience showed difficulty in getting respondent to participate and increased demand for reward or incentives or some sort of payments. While this may seem reasonable in some cases there is a risk that this creates bias and may affect responses if 'hand outs' in the form of payments are given. A recommended approach is put on you advocacy cap and in what seems to be like an appeal explain goals as it benefits the respondents- long term and short term goals.

2. Be Patient. Advocacy talks may take longer than anticipated and may seem to veer into other discussions; politics, football, community issues and even family problems. The key is go with the flow. This may seem to affect timeline so always go prepared for such eventualities. But be mindful to get your respondent around to the main topic until you reach a ''level playing ground''. This has mostly helped respondents relax and give undivided attention.

3. Body languages. Be mindful that it does not always work out. Maybe a bad mood or even an unfriendly behaviour from the respondent. Know when to stop pushing and move on. It may seem like time wasted or not being able to meet target sample size. Trick is have supplemental sample to make up where some cannot be reached or interview requests are denied. 

4. Other useful tips. Identify a guide if not familiar with the community, be respectful of the culture and tradition. 

We welcome people to share experiences from their field research for lessons and discussions!