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CHAPTER THREE

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1 Introduction

The study examined the relationship between land reforms and performance of zonal land offices in Uganda taking a case of Mbarara zonal office. This chapter presents and describes the methods for conducting this study. In particular, the study presents the research design, study population, sample size, sampling methods, data collection methods and instruments. The chapter also presents the quality control for instruments, data collection procedures, data analysis, measurement of variables and the ethical considerations.

3.2 Research design

The study design was a cross-sectional survey that adopted both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The design intended to enable the researcher conduct the study at one point in time (Denzin & Lincoln, 2000). Quantitative approaches applied to primary data collected from the field using specific statistical methods. The quantitative strand of the study was adopted to support generation, analysis and summarizing data numerically and objectively in order to make generalization of findings possible. Qualitative approach was used in discussion of findings in relation to interviews and documentary analysis that were deemed relevant to this study. The qualitative research made it possible for in-depth and insightful observation of respondent’s underlying opinions and unique experiences relating to the study interest.

3.3 Study Population

The study population was 137 generated from Mbarara zonal land area. The population categories from which sample population was determined and selected included community members served by the zonal office (86), Chairpersons for the eleven district land boards (11), Senior land officers for the eleven districts (11) and five MZO staff (Head of departments). These population categories were considered sufficient to inform the study because they play key roles and have significant stakes in land service delivery in the land region.

3.4 Sample Size and selection

The sample size was 113 determined using statistical tables of Krejcie and Morgan (1970) cited from Amin (2005). The sample size and sampling procedures are indicated in the Table 3.1 below

Table 3.1: Sampling Procedure

Source: MZO staff list (2019) and District HR Records (2019)

3.5 Sampling techniques and procedures

The study used both randomized and non-randomized sampling approaches to select respondents. In particular, purposive and simple random were the sampling techniques used for non-randomized and randomized approaches respectively.

3.5.1 Purposive sampling technique

Purposive sampling in this study referred to a sampling technique that involves identification and selection of individuals or groups of individuals that are proficient and well-informed with a phenomenon of interest (Ilker, Musa & Alkassim, 2016). The sampling was applied in selection of population categories including the district land board chairpersons, senior land officers and the head of departments. Given that these population categories were deemed to have varying levels of information relevant to the study, the technique was preferred to enable to research use her judgement and handpicks all members of those categories (Amin, 2005).

3.5.2 Simple random sampling techniques

Simple random describes a sampling technique that strives to avoid selection bias in selection of respondents in sample population. The technique was utilized to select members of community who are served by the zonal land office. The technique managed to minimize selection bias through providing an equal and independent chance to all elements from that population category of being selected into the sample population. In particular, each member of that category was assigned a number and after which one number at a go was selected at random

3.6 Data Collection methods

The study utilized both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods from both primary and secondary sources of data.

3.6.1 Questionnaire survey

The questionnaire survey was a data collection method where closed ended questionnaires measured on five point likert scale were developed, according to the objectives of the study, and administered to defined respondents (Sekaran, 2003). The method was very appropriate because it enabled the researcher to collect data from very many respondents in a short period of time (Mugenda & Mugenda, 2008). The method also minimized bias since the respondents were able to answer the questions from their own perspective (Amin, 2005). This applied on senior lands officers, District Chairperson Land Boards, and Senior staff MLHUD

3.6.2 Interview

The interview, as a data collection method in this study, referred to face-to-face interactions between the researcher’s team and respondents on specific questions about the study topic (Amin, 2005).  By and large the data collection technique enabled generation of qualitative data as aligned to the study objectives,. This method enabled the researcher to gather in-depth information that supplemented the findings from the questionnaire survey (Sekaran, 2003). Respondents were prompted and probed to extract detailed information for the study.

3.7 Data collection instruments

3.7.1 Self-administered questionnaire

A questionnaire in this study was a research instrument consisting of a series of questions and other prompts used to gather mostly quantitative information from respondents. In particular, self-administered questionnaires were used to capture primary data whereby the respondents were left to read and answer the questions by themselves. A questionnaire template carried several question items to which respondents were requested to respond (Oso & Onen, 2005). The questionnaire was close-ended questions and measured on a five point Likert scale where the respondents selected an option reflecting extent of his/her agreement with the statement. The questionnaire was used because of its convenience and efficiency in collection of quantitative data from complex populations in their natural settings without influence of the researcher (Sekaran, 2003)

3.7.2 Interview guide

An Interview guide was a document containing a set of pre-determined questions that the study used to guide the interview (Amin, 2005).  The researcher prepared and used a semi-structured interview guide to conduct interviews on Senior Land Management Officers, District Chairperson Land Boards, and heads of departments of Mzo. The guide was semi structured with some open –ended questions to explore and probe further into land reform issues that may have had an impact on the performance of land offices. The open-ended questions were therefore used to capture the qualitative data about the study variables. The interviews were preferred to provide in-depth information about the research question ( Mugenda & Mugenda, 2003).

3.8 Validity and Reliability

3.8.1 Validity

Validity in this study referred to the extent to which a data collection instrument measures what it claims to measure (Oso & Onen, 2008). A validity test was conducted prior to administering questionnaires. The exercise involved identifying three raters who were requested to provide their judgment about the items that had been designed in the instrument. The questionnaire scale for expert validity was then modified on two Likert scale, 1 to 2 where 1 represented relevant and 2 irrelevant. Computation of the CVI to determine the validity of the instrument was deployed based on the formula below:

C.V.I = Number of items rated relevant                                 x 100%

Total number of items (both irrelevant and relevant)

3.8.2 Reliability

Reliability refers to the degree of consistency that the instrument demonstrates (Gay, 1996). To calculate reliability, the instrument was administered to a small group of respondents who were not part of the study who provided their opinions about the questions asked. After pilot testing in the field, reliability of the instrument, on multi-item variables (Computerization of land registry, Restructuring, Community empowerement, Performance of MZO) was tested via the Cronbach Alpha method provided by Statistical Package for the Social Scientists (Foster, 1998). The study established reliability of the questionnaires by computing the alpha coefficient of the items (questions) that constituted the dependent variable and that of the items that constituted the independent variable.

3.9 Procedure for data Collection

The researcher obtained a letter from Uganda Management Institute introducing her to MZO and specifying that the data to be collected was solely for study purposes. Upon obtaining the requisite permission, the researcher proceeded with data collection starting with giving out questionnaires to community members. After that interviews were conducted with key informants. This was followed by data entry and subsequently report writing.

3.10 Data Analysis

3.10 Quantitative data

Quantitative data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The descriptive analysis was done using measures of central tendencies in particular the mean and standard deviation. The inferential technique was the Pearson’s coefficient (- or + to show the direction of the relationship between the variable) and significance tested at 99% and 95% confidence levels based on the tailed correlation and significance more than or equals to 0.5. A positive correlation indicates a direct positive relationship between the variables while a negative correlation and inverse, negative relationship between the two variables. The regression analysis was used to adjust R2 values, beta t values and significance values to determine the magnitude of the relationship between the variables (Amin, 2005).

3.10 Qualitative data

The qualitative data gathered from interviews was analyzed using content and thematic analysis techniques. Content analysis involved reading through the data set to get a general sense of what was all about before coding the data and later processing it. Content analysis included developing codes that represented what the data will all be about. Thematic analysis on the other hand involved organizing and merging codes into categories or themes reflecting the bigger picture of the data (Sekaran, 2003)

3.11 Measurement of variables

Responses were obtained using a scaled questionnaire using a 5-point-likert scale where numerical figures were attached weights: 1=strongly disagree 2=disagree 3=not sure 4=agree and 5=strongly agree, and were used to gauge respondents’ perceptions. The questions were adjusted accordingly to match the targeted information by the researcher. Data generated from open ended questions were used in qualitative analysis. The information was studied and categorized according to contextualized themes. The Likert scale was used because it is easier to use compared to other methods (Amin, 2005).

3.12 Ethical Considerations

The major ethical concerns in this study included ensuring privacy of the subjects and confidentiality of their information. To ensure privacy, the respondents were informed upfront that indeed their names were not required, that they have the right to leave questions unanswered for which they do not wish to offer the requisite information, and that the researcher would put the respondent under pressure if this happened (Mugenda & Mugenda, 2003). To ensure confidentiality, the respondents were informed upfront that the information they give would be solely used for academic purposes and data obtained on private matters would be treated in confidence (Amin, 2005). Further testing of plagiarism were conducted to ensure that the report meets the required below 15% test required by the UMI. Where quotations were made in literature review and in findings, they have to be acknowledged and authorities stated.

Appendices

Appendix I: Questionnaire for community members (Women and Men)

Instructions

I am GATABI MELSI a student at Uganda Management Institute (UMI) pursuing a Master’s Degree in management Studies. I am doing a research study on “LAND REFORMS AND PERFORMANCE OF MBARARA ZONAL OFFICE – MINISTRY OF LANDS HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT.” This questionnaire is intended for academic purposes only and not for any other use. I would therefore like to assure you of utmost confidentiality. The answers given in this questionnaire will not be used against you. Please take a few minutes to answer the questions below.

Thank you in advance.

Section A: Background Information (Please tick appropriately)

1. Gender Male                                      Female
2. Age in years

18 – 25                   26 – 35                 36 – 45                  46 -55                Over 56

1. Education level

No formal education      Certificate               Diploma                Bachelor’s              Degree             Others (Specify)…………

Section B: Computerization of land registry and performance of Mbarara Zonal Offices

For each of the following statements /questions, indicate the strength to which you attach a particular statement. Please tick the appropriate box. Criteria: Strongly agree (SA) = 5; Agree (A) = 4 Not sure (NS) = 3; Disagree (D) = 2 and strongly disagree (SD) =1.

Section C: Restructuring and performance of Mbarara Zonal Office.

For each of the following statements /questions, indicate the strength to which you attach a particular statement. Please tick the appropriate box. Criteria: Strongly agree (SA) = 5; Agree (A) = 4 Not sure (NS) = 3; Disagree (D) = 2 and strongly disagree (SD) =1.

Section D: Community empowerment and Performance of Mbarara Zonal Office.

For each of the following statements /questions, indicate the strength to which you attach a particular statement. Please tick the appropriate box. Criteria: Strongly agree (SA) = 5; Agree (A) = 4 Not sure (NS) = 3; Disagree (D) = 2 and strongly disagree (SD) =1.

Section E: Performance of Mbarara Zonal Office

For each of the following statements /questions, indicate the strength to which you attach a particular statement. Please tick the appropriate box. Criteria: Strongly agree (SA) = 5; Agree (A) = 4 Not sure (NS) = 3; Disagree (D) = 2 and strongly disagree (SD) =1.

Thank you for your cooperation

Appendix II: Interview Guide for Key Informants (MZO staff, Chairperson Land Board and Senior Land Management Officers)

Instructions

I am GATABI MELSI a student at Uganda Management Institute (UMI) pursuing a Master’s Degree in management Studies. I am doing a research study on “LAND REFORMS AND PERFORMANCE OF MBARARA ZONAL OFFICE – MINISTRY OF LANDS HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT.”  Mbarara. This questionnaire is intended for academic purposes only and not for any other use. I would therefore like to assure you of utmost confidentiality. The answers given in this questionnaire will not be used against you. Please take a few minutes to answer the questions below.

Thank you in advance.

Questions

1. What is the relationship between computerization of land registry and performance of Mbarara Ministerial Zonal Office?

• In your view, do you think, land information search is made easy with introduction of computerization of land registry?
• Do you think land titles can easily be acquired due to the introduction of land information system (LIS)?
• Has computerization of land registry improved on record keeping?
• In your opinion, do you think the land information system (LIS) has simplified land title acquisition in terms of time?

1. What is the relationship between restructuring and performance of Mbarara Ministerial Zonal Office?

• Do you think supervision contributes towards performance of Mbarara Zonal Office?
• Does coordination between Mbarara MZO and the districts it serves enhance performance?
• Do you think customer care leads to performance of Mbarara Zonal Office?
• In your view, do you think the creation of Mbarara Zonal Office has simplified land related activities?

3. What is the relationship between strengthening community security of tenure and performance of Mbarara Ministerial Zonal Office?

• In your view, do you think community empowerment is enhanced through community awareness on land title acquisition?
• Would do you say that community knowledge on land laws and procedures is a function of community empowerment?
• Do you think strengthened online land title processing is enhanced by community empowerment?
• In your opinion, do you think communal customary land ownership information is enhanced by community security of tenure?

Thank you for your cooperation

Appendix III: Table for determining sample size from a given population

Source: Krejcie & Morgan (1970, as cited by Amin, 2005)

Note.—N is population size.

S is sample size.