LiFELand Baseline Survey (September, 2015)

LiFELand Fieldwork overview

Field work

LiFELand project research team carried out field work in Iringa and Njombe Region in the Ihemi Cluster, one among the SAGCOT corridors. The field work lasted for about 20 days starting late August through mid-September 2015. Five districts were visited including Iringa DC, Kilolo and Mufindi in Iringa Region and Wanging’ombe and Njombe in Njombe Region. The purpose for the field work was to discuss with individual farmers within the cluster on issues related to socio-economic activities, water, and gender related issues. It is the first field work to be conducted after two stakeholder meetings held in April and July to discuss issues pertaining the cluster.

A map of Ihemi Cluster in Tanzania

How did we do it?

A group of 24 enumerators joined the research team for field work in the selected villages. Two days training was provided to enumerators to familiarize them with the data collection tool. The training was also used as a platform for enumerators to familiarize with the research team but also among themselves. The training was held in Iringa Region.

Enumerators Training

A total of 20 villages were visited in the two regions. 607 households’ surveys (376 in Iringa &231 in Njombe) were conducted in the 20 villages. In addition 19 focus group discussions were conducted. Focus group discussants comprised of local/village government leaders and representatives from communities according to their gender groups (men, women, youth, disabled, female headed households).

Prof. Kashaigili giving instructions to enumerators before living to the field

Introduction to farmers at Bomalang'ombe village, Kilolo District, Iringa

Focus Group Discussion at Makota village, Mufindi District, Iringa

Farmers selection for Focus Group Discussion at Kitisi village Iringa rural district

Arriving at Igwachanya village, Waging'ombe District

Children scrambling for fetching water at Nzivi village

Lessons learned

Timing – during the Government election campaign period hence most of the communities associated the research with the election process. Also, some thought the process comes with a certain incentive in the end hence provide information that is not necessarily true representation of what is happening in their area.

Next steps

Data collected is being processed for analysis and report generation. Recorded interviews were transcribed and coded using excel spreadsheet for theme generation. Second field visit is to be conducted soon and will involve discussion with investors in the area as well as local government authorities in the study area.