In-Depth Interview Guides Tanzania Country Study Qualitative Component

This guide provides pointers on conducting in-depth qualitative interviews as part of value chain analyses.

An interview should have clear objectives and should be based on an interview guide that corresponds to the objectives. A value chain interview usually has one or more of the following objectives:

• Understand the structure of the value chain in terms of firm types and their interrelationships;
• Identify bottlenecks in the value chain that affect industry performance and competitiveness;
• Identify upgrading opportunities and understand upgrading incentives.

The guide discusses common constraints adversely affecting interview quality and provides sample questionnaires. Broad guidelines for interviewers include:

• Be honest about who you are and the purpose of the interview;
• Establish a good rapport with the informant;
• Be deliberate about the way you speak to the informant;
• Begin each interview with a common frame of reference between you and the informant;
• Make it clear that the informant is the expert and you are the learner;
• Treat the informant with respect;
• Carefully prepare your question guide before the interview;
• Use the same language and terms that your informant would use.