Based on the research methodology and design, the following section addresses the data collection tool utilised to collect primary data. In this regard, the chosen data collection tool was a questionnaire. The data obtained from the questionnaire was captured and analysed through the use of Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.
66 4.4.1. Data collection tools
4.4.1.1. Questionnaire
The purpose of a survey is to extract quantitative descriptions and information of a set of characteristics about a population or sample group (Groves et al., 2009). For the purpose of this study, the survey instrument addressed specific elements such as socio-economic and demographic profiles to illustrate trends in the population, the status-quo in terms of poverty, economic activity, levels of education, and socio-economic vulnerability. In addition to coded closed-ended questions, included in the questionnaire were scales (for example, the Likert scale) which were used to quantify attitudes, abilities and opinions of community members (Meadow, 2003). More specifically, this scale was used to determine levels of agreement with statements regarding the perceived fragility/resilience of the natural surrounding environment, and satisfaction with the involvement, success and implementation of the BLSCRP. These scales sought to provide both an individual’s psychological and physical function within their geographical location (Meadows, 2003). As a whole, the survey sought to account for an individual’s belief, opinion, ideas and perceptions, and aid in the explanation of changes and comparisons within the community (Maree and Pietersen, 2007).
According to Creswell and Plano-Clark (2007), the incorporation of open-ended qualitative questions in data collection instrument validates the research as a quantitative data triangulation mixed methods design (Doyle et al., 2009). De Vos et al. (2002) note that qualitative research entails eliciting participant accounts of meaning, experience or perceptions; while quantitative research methods focus on deriving numerical data to describe variables and the relationship between the variables. While a structured survey was used as the data collection tool in this study, Lickert style questions were used to rate respondents’ perceptions, level of participation in relation to specific practices and attitudes towards impacts. Furthermore, throughout the survey, open-ended questions are included to further probe responses that were quantitative in nature. This reveals that the study integrated qualitative dimensions within the survey tool used.
The data collection teams also noted additional responses and comments that are integrated into discussion as respondents’ ‘voices’ (actual extracts used).
The survey instrument used in this study consisted of open and closed ended questions, with the following thematic areas:
1. Socio-demographic profile of respondents.
2. Household demographics.
67 3. Biodiversity, conservation and climate change conceptualisation.
4. Ecosystem goods and services.
5. Buffelsdraai Landfill Site Community Reforestation Project.
These thematic areas were crucial for addressing the research questions as well as the objectives of this study. The first section was designed to extract the socio-demographic characteristics of individual respondents. Section two provided further insight to household livelihoods which enabled the study to comprehend the socio-economic context of the community. Section three aimed at revealing respondent’s perceptions, levels of awareness and knowledge regarding key environmental concepts, as well as how respondents value and perceive their natural surroundings. Section four focused on extracting data regarding the way respondents utilised and benefited from various ecosystem goods and services, and highlighted the way in which the surrounding ecology supported livelihood activities. The fifth section consisted of questions focused on the awareness of and participation of respondents in the BLSCRP which was pertinent in informing the way in which community members are engaged in the BLSCRP, the type of benefits they derived, and the overall response towards the project.
While the study integrated qualitative dimensions, specifically in relation to the use of open- ended questions and noting additional comments by respondents, it is important to note that further research should include focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Focus group discussions will enable collective reflections on key issues and themes in relation to CBC programmes. The success of CBC programmes are linked directly to communities having a shared vision of what should be achieved. Key informant interviews would permit different perspectives and interests to be examined from different stakeholders.
68 4.4.2. Sampling framework
Figure 4.3: Sampling nodes within the Buffelsdraai community, KwaZulu-Natal (Source:
Author)
A multi-stage sampling framework was adopted in this study which entailed the random selection of nodes. Thereafter the nearest 30 household were purposively selected based on road accessibility. During the first stage of the sampling, Hawth’s Tools extension in ArcMap v 10.3 was used to generate 9 random nodes (Figure 4.3) which delineated the community based on settlement patterns and density of households. This was carried out to provide adequate representation of households, and reduced any bias in the selection process. The next stage of the sampling involved the purposive selection of 30 households, closest to the identified nodes, based on road accessibility. In instances where the chosen household was unwilling to participate or not unavailable for the interview, the nearest neighbour was then sampled. A total of 270 households were surveyed which was a statistically representative sample of the total of 840 households, at 95% level of confidence (Israel, 1992). Households were surveyed using face-to-face interviews. The data collection was conducted over a period of ten days with the aid of 7 field assistants who were conversant in IsiZulu and English for
69 ease of communication and translation. Prior to the commencement of data collection, field assistants were trained on how to conduct the face-to-face interviews and with a context for the questions posed.
4.4.3. Data analysis and evaluation 4.4.3.1. Statistical analysis
The data collected from the questionnaire was captured and analysed using the SPSS version 23. Open-ended questions and responses were further coded into themes which allowed for ease of comparison and data capturing. The data was also thematically analysed according to the three themes identified in the conceptual framework and literature. The results obtained from SPSS were also exported to Microsoft Excel for displaying the data in graphs, charts and tables. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were carried out, when data permitted.
Given that data collected in the study was predominately categorical in nature, non-parametric tests such as Pearson’s Chi-Square tests, Fischer’s Exact Tests and the Likelihood Ratio were used.
4.4.3.2. Validity and Reliability
Prior to the commencement of data collection, the questionnaire was piloted to determine the accuracy of the survey instrument. The necessary amendments to the survey instrument were done and corrected for during a workshop and training of field-assistants. This training focused on gaining knowledge of difficult concepts related to climate change, biodiversity and conservation and ensured a uniform and correct approach to using suitable words/phrases in isiZulu.