Since about 80% of local farmers in the survey area are illiterate,
it is not possible to use traditional questionnaire surveys, and so
SSIs (Semi-Structural Interviews) were used to collect data and
information about energy and gender such as traditional energy
structure, improved energy structure, consumption of different
types of energy in a year and how many firewood fuels were
collected annually. The interview formats were designed jointly by
two sociologists and one energy expert, and questions were pinpointed
on energy and gender issues. Interviewers were well
trained by energy and gender experts before the survey was conducted
and simulation exercises were organized to examine the
interview process and skills.