Mixed Methods Research Strategies in Climate Change Adaptation in Mt Darwin District, Zimbabwe

The fact that the use of mixed methods studies has become “trendy” again after a period of disrepute does not mean the issues such methods raise have gone away. Definitional, paradigmatic and methodological issues continue to be raised when researchers write about mixed methods, while design issues, issues in sampling, analysis and reporting and wide-ranging demands on researcher skills, finances and time are faced daily by those involved in a mixed methods study. This paper seeks to elucidate the challenges faced in carrying out a mixed methods study on climate change adaptation in a rural community in Zimbabwe. Mixed methods researchers, in combining the benefits of both qualitative and quantitative approaches to research, often claim greater validity of results as a reason for their methodological choices, however without adequate consideration of issues involved such validity may be more imagined than real. The researchers recommend use of aides and observation guides in collecting data. Other researchers in future studies should conduct a two week pilot study and should at least visit the study area three times before conducting research to gain an intimate knowledge of the area.