Data analysis and thesis write-up started simultaneously following the researcher’s return from fieldwork. Prior to this, there was a meeting between the researcher and the supervisors to brief them on the outcomes and experiences of the fieldwork. Data analysis was done using Nvivo 2010, a software used in qualitative data analysis. This software helps in the process of coding, retrieving and searching texts. It helps also in the storage and organization of data for proper management. Data was transferred into a file for the purpose of making electronic reference and retrieval. The Nvivo was helpful, not only in storing data, but also in editing and annotating of information.
With access to electronic data, it was easier to organize information into codes and themes for better thematic analysis (Creswell, 1998, 2002). In line with Creswell (2002), this study employed three levels of data analysis as is shown in figure 2, and reveals what is referred to as the first or initial level of analysis, which consists of transcribed data from interviews and FGDs. There is also the second level of data analysis that consists of open coding, which involves categories, sub-categories and basic concepts. Finally, the third level involves the thematic data analysis, which makes use of axial coding of themes (Creswell, 1998, 2002).
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Figure 2: The three data analysis levels
Source: Creswell, (1998)
6.6.1 Open coding
This started immediately after the completion of data transcription and storage. Open coding involved using the basic concepts that first appeared in the literature review. These concepts were mainly on the definitions and conceptualisations of poverty by the people and the actors of APMs from various APOs. Sub-categories or sub-themes were evolved from these basic concepts to establish a continuum. The sub-categories further leads to segmentation of information about the major themes of the study (Creswell, 1998, 2002). The study analysed every response from both respondents and participants and coded them accordingly. The coded themes used from the literature review are as shown in figure 3.
Results Data analysis level 1
Data Transcription Categories Basic Concepts Sub - Categories Focus Group Discussion
Data analysis level 2 Open Coding
Data analysis level 3 Thematic Analysis
Interviews
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In the course of coding, more sub themes were discovered and recoded, and themes that overlapped were grouped together.
6.6.2 Thematic analysis
The conclusive part of the analysis was done through linking the conceptualisation of poverty with the implications in the last chapter of the work. This linking process enabled and helped in the generation of findings. This is in line with Creswell (1998): “Once an initial set of categories is developed, the researcher identifies a single category as the central phenomenon of interest and begins exploring the interrelationships of categories called axial coding-causal conditions, which influence the central phenomenon, the strategies for addressing the phenomenon, the context and the intervening conditions that shape the strategies, and the consequences of understating the strategies” (p. 151). Hence, all the information was linked up with implications and suggestions for future research.
6.6.3 The reliability of data
Trustworthiness of data signals a framework for making decisions as to how qualitative information is shared and applied to other contexts (Pretty, 2004). In view of this, the study has adopted some criteria to argue for the reliability of data. In the first instance, this study involved several respondents from various walks of life (social, academic, religious, private and individuals). This indeed, was judged as meeting the objectives of the researcher. This study built its findings on the varied opinions of the poor and actors of APMs from various APOs. Data has been presented as being adequate, as respondents had expressed their views which represent their own realities (Pretty, 2004). Involving the people, especially the poor and actors from various APOs, gave a sense of belonging to participants, and widen the horizon of their own realities.
It is strongly believed that, based on the reliability of this data, other researchers in some developing countries, where VoP has not been used, might employ the same or some of the principles in this research, and adopt and contextualize them as it concerns their situations. This study meets the criteria set down by Strauss and
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Corbin (2005) on acceptable standard and research process verifications. Hence, this study took into account the issues of sample, gender, status, amongst others. Creswell (2002:24) advanced a number of criteria that justify the trustworthiness of data. Some of these criteria are: Did the study generate concepts, and how systematically were the concepts related? Were there signs that the concepts and its linkages were developed well? Were there signs that the theory varied? Is it possible to notice from the analysis, an account of change? In other words, did the study take into account the issue of change (Creswell, 2002)? To the best knowledge of the researcher, this study complied with these criteria.
In the chapters that follow, this study presents its findings on the pluralism in the understanding of poverty in Nigeria, from the poor, non-poor and actors of APMs from various APOs. Attention is focused on the different conceptions, causes and factors contributing to poverty. There is also discussion of the changes in poverty conceptualisations and the underlying drivers. The roles of APOs are discussed in line with APMs used in the fight against poverty, as well as the implications of this pluralism for poverty reduction efforts.
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