Data collection can be carried out through the use of primary and secondary sources of information. The secondary information can be collected from existing literature, census, district administration, block-level administrative units, local institutions, panchayati raj institutions and any other research studies undertaken in the area. Primary data can be collected from questionnaire-based household interviews, focus group discussions, checklists and PRA.
A comprehensive questionnaire has to be designed before taking up the data collection task. It may be necessary to develop more than one questionnaire depending upon the different sources of information available. The basic questionnaire should target the household to collect information on the social, economic, health, financial etc status of the community. Other types of questionnaires can be developed for other stakeholders in the area like for example, health care providers residing in the area, local leaders etc.
The flow of questions should be from general to complex and must be developed after going through the available secondary information. It is important to pre-test the questionnaire before actually conducting the community interviews.
Enumerators need to be carefully selected and trained on the subject. They have to be given thorough training on the use of questionnaire and in organising interviews with the community in an appropriate manner. They play a crucial role in interpreting verbal responses from the community and expressing them through the questionnaire. They should be very well acquainted to local language and expressions. It is always useful to have experienced enumerators to undertake the data collection work.
