2.2. Data collection
Data for the study was based on interviews (through questionnaire administration), focus group discussions and laboratory analyses of soil samples. The seven study communities were selected after an initial reconnaissance visit to 13 communities. Questionnaires were pre-tested in one of the communities and this resulted in the reformulation and modification of some of the terminologies used. Subsequently, questionnaires were administered randomly to 192 households in selected communities. The sample unit was the farm household with the head of the household or the person who takes farm management decisions as the respondent. Questionnaires comprised both demographic data and soil knowledge data collection. We gathered information on age, gender, educational status, ethnic origin and participation in farmer groups during the administration of the questionnaires. Soil knowledge data was collected via semi-structured questions pertaining to perception of local soils, for instance, ‘How would you describe a good/fertile soil?’ or ‘How do you recognize soils with high organic matter?’ Data gaps were filled by daily reviewing of completed questionnaires. Three focus group interviews, one before and the other two after questionnaire administration were also conducted.