This document has been compiled from various guides and manuals on qualitative research. Its aim is to bring together in one document complimentary techniques developed by various authors on conducting qualitative research. Rather than concentrate on just one specific aspect, it encompasses several approaches and methods used in different disciplines of qualitative inquiry.  Consequently, it tries (where possible) to provide key information necessary for conducting successful qualitative research. With this mind, it should be seen as a working tool and not a theoretical paper on qualitative research.

This guide was developed in the context of a research project with ERNWACA on the impact of HIV/AIDS on education systems. At various meetings, network members expressed the need to strengthen research capacities in the area of qualitative research methodology and analysis.

In partnership with the International Institute for Educational Planning (IIPE-UNESCO, Paris), ERNWACA conducted a literature review of policies and research for the period 1993-2002 in seven of the network’s member countries. The results were disseminated at a regional workshop held in Bamako, Mali in 2004. The results of this project can be consulted in the workshop report entitled Education research response to the impact of HIV/AIDS on in West and Central Africa.

In 2005, ERNWACA organised a training workshop on qualitative research methodology and analysis in Burkina Faso for twelve of its members representing seven ERNWACA countries. The workshop was organised in partnership with IIEP, the Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA), the Mobile Task Team West (MTT, financed by USAID), the Ministry for Basic Education and Literacy Burkina Faso (MEBA), and the University of Ouagadougou.

This training workshop contributed to strengthening the research capacities of several researchers especially in the writing of the national case studies on the contribution of non formal education in preventing HIV/AIDS – research conducted with the UNESCO Institute for Education (UIE Hamburg) for the period 2005-2006.

The following guide is a result of the training workshop and of the continuing collaboration between ROCARE and MTT West.  We would like to thank SARA/AED/USAID, WFP and Patricia Hudelson for documents from which several sections were included here.

This guide is an evolving document and will hopefully benefit from the experiences of African researchers.  You are therefore invited to send your comments and suggestions as well as proposed amendments and additions to info@rocare.org.