Rajasthan Focus Group Discussions Data: Dataset

Abstract

A series of focus group discussions (FGDs) to elicit the local knowledge about the agricultural and wild biodiversity present in the study areas in order to generate: (a) an inventory (list) of all useful plant, and animal species used by local communities for human food and their local names; (b) an inventory of all foods consumed; (c) an inventory of markets that people in the village attend. "In each of the eight villages, one focus group discussion was held, but including both men and women participants. Each group will deal with the three aspects for discussion: Useful biological diversity in the production system; Market diversity; and Dietary diversity. There were between 10-16 participants in each group. Each group tried to include a cross-section of individuals involved in agricultural production or at least collecting useful plants from common lands and the wild, representing different levels of access to land (land owners, local land renters and migrant land renters), different ethnic groups present in the village and different age groups (special emphasis should be placed to include younger farmers). For each group there were two facilitators, one to guide the exercise and the other to document the process (take notes, photographs, etc.). The data were elicited using the four-square methodology explained in the Protocol document." Eight villages of three districts were surveyed: (Balmer, Jaisalmer and Jodhpur) in the State of Rajasthan: Damodara (26°54',70°43'); Deda (26°94',70°43'); Dedhu, (27°20', 71°45'); Dhirasar (25°27', 71°11'); Dhok (25°29', 71°01'); Govindupura (26°49', 73°05'); Mansagar (26°45', 73°08'); Meghwalo Ki Dhani (27.3711° N, 72.2334° E, this village was not part of the household survey).