CARACTERÍSTICAS DE LA INVESTIGACIÓN CUALITATIVA

Typical rural livelihoods investigations are localized case studies that make extensive use of participatory research techniques to construct household asset profiles and map the social relations that affect ownership and access to resources (Jacobs & Makaudze 2012). This study used an adapted case study methodology consisting of qualitative and quantitative-data collection techniques. The research methods comprised three processes, namely a literature review, in-depth semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders, and a quantitative and qualitative questionnaire survey. The two latter phases are based on the two frameworks of analysis, namely the PAR model and the DFID SLF. The aim of the qualitative study was to collect information to gain insight into and understanding of the Langkloof farmers’ general livelihood activities, coping and adaptive strategies against environmental shocks and social stresses and their general challenges regarding the pursuit of a livelihood. The quantitative phase aimed to describes and assess the livelihood characteristics and the adaptive and coping strategies of Langkloof farmers during periods of environmental shocks and social stresses. This mixed-method design was employed to promote generalization, triangulation and the development of research instruments, and to ensure credibility.

The DFID’s SLF differs from other frameworks in mainstreaming its core principles and holistic approach toward the programming of support activities relating to issues or areas of direct relevance to improving people’s livelihoods, and therefore poverty reduction (Ashley & Carney 1999; DFID 1999; Krantz 2001). A broader and more systematic approach was taken which considered all the functioning components of the framework as equally important in establishing a sustainable livelihood. Concerning the application of the DFID SLF, although the analysis of people’s livelihoods usually takes place at a household (or community) level, the aim was not just to identify constraints or opportunities that could be remedied at that level, but to gain an understanding of how policies and other institutional factors impact on people’s livelihoods at the local level (Krantz 2001). The DFID SLF also addresses assets, capabilities and activities, but like few others, it also stresses the role of the vulnerability context in which people strive for access to and ownership of assets in search of a more positive livelihood (Krantz 2001). For these reasons, the DFID SLF was the framework for analysis in this study. This chapter describes the various methods employed and the justifications thereof to reach the desired aim and objectives for the study. These methods include a literature review, key informant interviews conducted, a questionnaire survey conducted with the sampled population, the sampling framework, data consolidation and the various tools used for the data analysis.

3.1

LITERATURE REVIEW

The literature review (Chapter 2) covered the material and concepts to provide an understanding of the research problem, including a discussion of the various hazards experienced in the Langkloof and the theoretical frameworks, classifications and models in which to undertake the study. An extensive study of various SLFs was undertaken and, after deliberation, the SLF developed by DFID (1999) as adapted from the earliest formulation by Chambers & Conway (1991) was selected as a suitable framework for a livelihoods analysis of the farmers in the Langkloof. The elements analysed were the vulnerability context; farmers’ assets (social, human, financial, natural and physical); the instrumental policies, institutions and processes; the livelihood followed strategies; and the livelihood outcomes. The literature review provided a good understanding of important concepts which enabled the drafting of relevant questions during the key informant interviews, the construction of a questionnaire survey and an understanding of the tools used for the data analysis.

3.2

KEY INFORMANT INTERVIEWS

Six interviews were conducted with key informants prior to and during fieldwork in the Langkloof (Appendix A). This exercise aimed to explore the research questions in more depth and to develop an understanding of the hazard profile of the area, the vulnerability drivers in the Langkloof, the components of the livelihood framework and adaptive and the coping strategies devised to counter environmental shocks and social stresses.

The semi-structured interviews were conducted by telephone and during face-to-face conversations with individuals who agreed to participate. The interviews were voice recorded and transcribed later. Key stakeholders were identified by a key informant who lives in the Langkloof and whose positions are, among others, Chairman of the Uniondale Farmers’ Association and Chairman of AfriForum. Other important key role players interviewed were members of the Western Cape Department of Agriculture, municipal officials in the Langkloof region and other members of the farming community. The information gathered during these interviews informed the questionnaire survey conducted with the sampled farmers.

3.3

QUESTIONNAIRE SURVEY

A multipurpose questionnaire survey (Appendix A) was conducted to gain an understanding of livelihood characteristics and adaptive and coping strategies of farmers during periods of environmental shocks and social stresses in the Langkloof area. Each interview lasted 50 to 70 minutes and five to six households were interviewed per day given that farms are close to one another and to place by appointment. The questionnaire design was informed by the informant interviews as

well as the DFID SLF. The interviews served as a tool to pilot the questionnaire and to make necessary adjustments.

Table 3.1 Research questions for the study

Primary questions Secondary

questions Method Chapter allocation

What are the hazards in the Langkloof? What are environmental hazards in the Langkloof? Literature search Semi-structured interviews Questionnaire survey Chapters 1,2 and 5

What are the livelihood characteristics of

farmers in the Langkloof?

What is the general household information of farmers in the Langkloof? Literature search Key informant interviews Questionnaire survey Chapter 2,4 and 5

What assets have the farmers in the

Langkloof accumlualted?

Questionnaire survey Chapter 4 What policies,

institutions and processes (PIPs) impact the range of

assets? Literature search Semi-structured interviews Questionnaire survey Chapter 4

What are the farmers’ livelihood

strategies?

Questionnaire survey Chapter 4 What are the adaptive

and coping strategies of farmers during periods of severe environmental

shocks and social stress?

What are the coping and adaptive

strategies concerning the ‘capitals pentagon’?

Questionnaire survey Chapter 4

What are the main differences and similarities between

LMSF?

What are farmers’ livelihood

characteristics? Semi-structured interviews Questionnaire survey

Chapter 4