CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1 Introduction
The previous chapter looked the related literature review and this chapter focused on the research
methodology used in conducting the research. The aspects covered include the research
philosophy, research strategy, research design, target population, sampling method, research
instruments, data collection procedures, data analysis and presentation methods, reliability and
validity and ethical considerations.
3.2 Pragmatism philosophy
Saunders, Lewis, Thornhill & Bristow (2019) defined research philosophy as a systematic search
for existence, reason, language, value, mind, and knowledge. A research philosophy is a belief
about the way in which data about a phenomenon or research study should be gathered, analyzed
and used; which are positivism, interpretivism and pragmatism. This research was guided by
both positivism and interpretivism thus, in this research Pragmatism research philosophy was
used as the research requires both a qualitative and quantitative research. Through this
philosophy the researcher was able to use theories in understanding the topic and conceptualizing
the research objectives and questions. Under a pragmatism research philosophy, research
questions and objectives are the most important determinant of the research philosophy thus, the
researcher consider this research philosophy to be the most suitable to answer the underlying
objectives outlined in section one (Wyk (2012).
3.3 Research Strategy
According to Saunders et al (2007), Yin (2014) a research strategy refers to how the researcher
intends to carry out the work. A mixed methods research strategy was used from a pragmatist
perspective to fulfil the above study objectives. In this regard, both qualitative and quantitative
research methodologies are used to collect the rich data required to satisfy the research objectives
The term mixed methods allude to an emergent methodology of research that advances the
systematic integration, or mixing, of quantitative and qualitative data within single research
(Wisdom & Creswell 2013). The research objectives and questions outlined previously are
effectively answered with the use of both open and closed ended questions which justify the need
for both qualitative and quantitative research strategy. This also enhanced data and results
reliability since open and closed ended data had to complement each other.

3.4 Research Design

The researcher adopted the case study design whereby targeting small scall horticulture farmers
in Nenguwo Village Marondera. According to Cooper and Schindler (2013), a research design
referred to a plan and structure of investigation in order to obtain answers from various research
questions. A case study-survey design was used to identify the effects of Covid-19 on small scale
horticultural farmers’ production in Zimbabwe, Mashonaland East Province focusing on
Nenguwo Village in Marondera District.

3.5 Target population

According to Maunganidze and Latif (2014), a population was described as any set of people
from which a sample is selected and to which the study results will be generalized. Seaman,
(2017) argue the population as the total group of persons or objects that meet the designated set
of criteria established by the researcher. The population for this research was comprised of
small-scale farmers in Nenguwo Village, Marondera West district, Agriculture Extension
Officers, local Agritex officers, Government Officials as well as Farmers Union and
Associations as elaborated in the table below. Marondera West District has a population of 199
607.

Table 3.1: Study Target population

Target population Number of Respondents
Small Scale Farmers 303
Local Agriculture Extension Officers 25
Local Agritex Officers 30
Government Officials 16
Farmers Union and Associations 18
Total 392
3.6 Sample Size

Using a Raosoft Calculator with a margin of error of 10%, 95% confidence interval, 50%
response distribution and a total population of 303 respondents, the recommended sample size
for this study was 74 small scale horticultural farmers in Mashonaland East.
3.7 Sampling method
Gathering data from the whole target population is almost impossible due to many constraints
some of which may include lack of enough money and time to conduct a census hence
researchers resort to sampling (Latham 2007). Sampling as defined by Mugo (2002) is the act,
process, or technique of selecting an appropriate sample from the sample frame or population for
the purpose of determining characteristics of the whole population. This study adopted the
stratified random sampling. Stratified random sampling is a probability method of sampling
where each unit of the target population has an equal chance of being selected (Gravetter &
Forzano, 2011). To select a sample of 74 small scale horticultural farmers from the population of
303 small scale farmers. The researcher identified all the 303 small scale horticultural farmers
and assigned a consecutive number from 1 to the next to each farmer as from the database
obtained from the local Agritex officer database. Then the researcher selected up to 74 random
numbers from the rand between function in Excel.
This method also reckoning with the positivist research philosophy, which advocates for
scientific research methods, which are not influenced by the perceptions of the researcher.
3.8 Purposive or judgmental sampling method
This sampling method allowed the researcher to interview only respondents who had knowledge
and opinion on effects of Covid 19 on small scale farmers and thus included the Local
Agriculture Extension Officers, Local Agritex Officers, Government Officials and Farmers
Union and Associations personals. Kumar (2005) postulated that judgmental sampling is done by
the researcher who knows the market well enough to choose a sample using expert judgment.

3.9 Research Instruments

Bell (2018) describes research instrument as the tool used for collecting information and the data
needed to find solutions to the problems under investigation. The researcher used the Kobo
toolbox data collection App with the aid of. Self-administered questionnaires were utilised to
collect qualitative and numerical data. The researcher deployed the Instruments on the
respondent’s` emails using Google forms. For further in depth understanding of the issues
highlighted by the Key Informants, the researcher further went on to do telephonic interviews
due to the Covid 19 restrictions. This method was used, as most respondents can read in English
with less or no problems. Questionnaires and interviews are widely used data collection methods
in information systems research (Oates, 2014). However, before one selects a data collection
method, one needs to understand the type of data that needs to be collected.

3.10 Questionnaires
Chiromo (2017) defines a questionnaire as an inquiry which contains efficiently compiled,
organized and sorted enquiries that are administered to the selected sample representing the
population. Questionnaires were used as they are regarded as the main method of data collection
(Sarantakos 2012). The questionnaire was developed out of literature review of the independent
and dependent variables. These comprised closed ended questions where responses should be
indicated on a Likert scale to be provided. Closed ended questions were developed as they are
easy to fill, save time and also keep the respondents focused on the subject while open ended
question enables the researcher to gather various opinions from the respondents. Saunders,
Lewis, Thornhill & Bristow (2019).
The questionnaire instrument was used because it allows each respondent to receive the same
questions and as such, the process is identical for each respondent. Furthermore, the use of a
structured questionnaire is justified as it guaranteed confidentiality hence respondents acted
without any fear of embarrassments.

3.11 Interview Guide

Bowden and Galindo-Gonzalez (2014) maintain that face-to face interviews provide accurate
screening of interviewees according to gender balance, positions in company or organization, the
capture verbal and non-verbal questions and responses and more so, they help researcher to
remain focussed during the entire interview process. The method also captures the emotional
feelings and behaviours of the interviewees which help the research to reach beyond the normal
responses given. The interviewees were identified using the purposive sampling since these
employees worked in the same organization at management level. The Interviews were carried
out via telephonic calls.

3.12 Secondary data

Secondary methods of collecting data were used for data mining purposes. Secondary data
includes documents, data, and information from previous studies that a researcher might use in a
new study (Oates, 2006:234). According to Bryman and Bell (2015), secondary data collection
methods refer to the ability of the researcher to carry out an analysis of the data that has already
been prepared by other researchers. The researcher uses both primary and secondary data sources
to gather information for this study.
Saunders (2012) defines secondary data as data gathered and recorded by someone else prior to
the current study. Secondary data is data which is historically and already collected. It does not
require access to respondents or subjects. The researcher adopted secondary data when doing
systematic literature review. It enables the researcher to gain knowledge by viewing the research
problem through the eyes of past and present scholars. Low cost is its main advantage whilst the
ability to acquire information easily is another. This however, can also be a problem as certain
knowledge may become irrelevant over time. The researcher collected secondary data that
contributes in solving the research problem adequately. The main advantages of secondary data
include getting the views of pioneers in the same field that guided the researcher in designing
research questions and objectives as well as identifying research gaps.
3.13 Data collection procedure
First, the researcher seeks for authorisation to conduct research from the respective officials
Administration, which was granted as evidenced by the authorization from the University as on
the approval form attached to the first preliminary pages of the document. Interview guides were
distributed via google forms while the questionnaire was conducted electronically using KOBO
toolbox. Pilot testing was also done on the questionnaire and the interview guide as these were
submitted to the supervisor for review and submitted to preliminary respondents not within the
Nenguwo Village to remove biasness.

Step 1: The researcher selected a sample of 74 participants using stratified random sampling.
Step 2: The researcher explained to the respondents the purpose of the study and ask for their co-
operation via an introductory statement.
Step 3: The researcher distributed Interview guides to the selected sample via email and google
forms.
Step 4: The researcher collected the questionnaires from the respondents electronically
Step 5: The researcher conducted telephonic interviews.
Step 6: The researcher analyzed the findings from the respondents using the Statistical Package
for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and NviVO for qualitative data.

3.14 Pilot Testing

Hundley and van Teijlingen (2018) argue that pilot testing can be done in both qualitative and
quantitative studies before the major study can be carried out to minimize the risk associated
with bad questionnaires and or interview guides. In this study, the researcher distributed 20
questionnaires to find out if they did capture the intended information from the respondents and
some adjustments were made.
3.15 Data analysis and presentation
Quantitative data was analysed using SPSS version 25 and presented in the form of tables, bar
graphs and pie charts whilst qualitative was presented in the means of frequency thematic
analysis tables. For this kind of study, descriptive analysis is the best and has been supported by
such scholars as Schindler (2013), and Crawford (2015). Qualitative data is analysed using the
thematic approach. Qualitative research, intended to generate knowledge grounded in human
experience (Sandelowski, 2010), and hence messages collected can be grouped into themes by
the researcher to give meaning and coherence to the study through themes that are related and
then analysed (Braun and Clarke, 2016).
According to Saunders et al. (2019), quantitative data is data whose values can be measured
numerically as quantities. In this case the data was coded and quantified according to the ranking
of each rating, for instance in annexure A the 5-Likert scale was rated as follows: Strongly
Disagree = 1; Disagree = 2; Neutral = 3; Agree = 4 and Strongly Agree = 5. Thus, it shall
automatically employ quantitative data presentation and analysis techniques. In presenting the
data, frequency tables were mainly used. These were very useful in illustrating the research
findings in a clear manner that readers could easily follow.

The quantitative data analysis techniques involved various tests that were used to determine the
validity and reliability of the study findings. These included R-squared, t tests and chi squared
tests. R-squared measured the extent to which the explanatory variables explain effects in the
explained variable. This made it possible to determine how useful the variables chosen for the
study are, thereby validating the study. The beta coefficients were tested for significance using t
tests to find out whether they are different from zero. Hence, the tests enabled the researcher to
determine whether the research findings are useful for deriving conclusions in the study.

3.16 Validity and reliability

According to Leedy (2010), validity refers to how sound or effective the measuring instruments
are in gathering relevant information. The validity test measured the ability of the instruments to
accurately measure what the researcher wanted to measure. Cooper and Schindler (2013) defined
reliability as the degree to which a measurement is free of random or unstable error. The
information gathered and conclusions made were reliable as there was transparency in how sense
was made from the raw data. The interviews carried out by the researcher were valid and reliable
since the researcher asked questions directly to the person and any lack of understanding was
instantly clarified by comparing the interview responses to the documented information. The
researcher on the other part made significant efforts to make sure that the reliability of
instruments remained high.
Reliability consists of a research that is auditable and reputable in such a manner that a similar
study carried out using the same research methods would yield the same results (Greener, 2008).
The researcher tested the semi structured questionnaire on SPSS for the reliability also involve a
large sample selected through stratified random sampling thus eliminating sample bias and
making the research more reliable and valid.

3.17 Ethical considerations

UNISA (2016) stated that ethical research relates to; inter alia, research that focuses on concise
concepts as well as on variables. It collects information under controlled conditions, and uses
structured and established procedures to do so. It uses objectivity in the analysis of information.
It analyses numerical information using statistical procedures, it involves logic and deductive
reasoning, and the investigator did not interact with the event being researched. Aaker, Kumar
and Day (2008) defined ethics as moral principles or values that generally govern the conduct of
an individual or group. Shamoo and Resnik (2015) postulated that ethics are norms for conduct
that distinguish between acceptable and unacceptable behaviour.

Thus, the research was in line with ethical guidelines in that participation was voluntary,
confidential and respondents had the right to withdraw at any time without being asked
questions. An informed consent explaining the purpose of the study was given to respondents
before issuing questionnaires. A covering letter from the school was attached to the questionnaire
explaining purpose of research to give assurance to the respondents that their answers would be
treated in strict confidence and for academic purpose only.

As part of research ethics, anonymity guaranteed that the source of data would not to be
disclosed. The researcher respected all the appointments he made in advance and debriefs the
participants about the research project. Ethical considerations were made throughout the research
process starting with planning up to the stage when the final report is published. A clearance
from the Organisations was obtained accompanied by the letter from the university before the
commencement of data collection for the study. Attention was also taken by the researcher to
ensure that face to face interviews were conducted during those times most flexible and suitable
to the respondents. The respondents were also advised that they were at liberty to access the
research project after it was completed.

3.18 Informed consent

At planning stage, the researcher obtained permission from the respective authorities to access
the information. The Interview guides to be circulated to the participants will contain a section
articulating the purpose of the research and clearly stating that participation is voluntary. There
was full disclosure regarding the process highlighting any risks and benefits due to participation.
In so doing the participants were able to make a fully informed decision. The participants were
informed that they reserve the right to withdraw from participation in the process at any stage of
the research project deemed they wish to do so.

3.19 Right to privacy

The participant information was kept strictly private and confidential and will only be shared on
a need-to-know basis. Thus, for instance, the interviewer or someone following up on a
questionnaire requires a participants name and contact details to execute their mandate. Such
people involved in the process of communication with the participants in the study was required
to sign an attestation that they will keep participant information confidential. The researcher
ensured that it was not possible to identify responses from any one participant. The responses of
any one participant were synthesized and summarized together with other participants’ data,
from which generalizations and inferences were made regarding the entire population.

3.20 Protection from harm

The participants were not overawed or compelled, and the participants, researcher. In the consent
form the researcher is going to ensure the respondents that they are not going to get any harm
because of participating in the research. The researcher will strongly emphasize that the
information that is going to be obtained is going to be used for academic purposes only.

3.21 Confidentiality and anonymity

Confidentiality was maintained throughout the study. The researcher is going to have a non-
disclosure of confidential information agreement with the participants. In addition, the study is
going to use numbers to reflect the respondents and will ensure that real names of the
participants will not be used.
Chapter summary

The outlined and covered the procedures that were followed in conducting the study. The
procedures include research philosophy, research design used, the target population, sample size
and the sampling techniques employed by the researcher. It also covered the two sources used to
obtain data and the key instruments used to collect the data. Towards the end, the chapter
covered the data analytical tools used, research limitations as well as ethical and data credibility
(reliability and validity) considerations. The following chapter shall analyse, present and discuss
the results from the questionnaires distributed.
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