NIGERIA DIASPORA FOCUS GROUP PROTOCOL
DATE/LOCATION
Specific dates TBD (first quarter of 2017). Locations include Atlanta, Houston, New York, and Washington, DC.
RECRUITMENT
Each group will include 8-10 Nigerian diasporans living in the United States recruited with the help of various different partner diaspora organizations identified by the research team.
Each group also will include individuals representing a diverse mix of gender, occupations, tribe, generation, region, income, and interest/experience in investing time, talent and/or financial resources in Nigeria to promote development.
TIMING
15 min Participants arrive, are greeted by research team, are provided snacks and are asked to complete a short survey (15 minutes before the focus group formally begins) [attached via pages 9-11 below]
15 min Participants are invited to join moderator at conference table at their designated (with nameplate) spot. Moderator provides an overview of the focus group activity and “rules of the game.”
15 min Introduction (Q1) and transition question (Q2) are discussed. (~10 min each)
60 min Key question Q3 is discussed (~10 min each; five parts)
10 min Key activity Q4 is completed by participants (~15 minutes)
20 min Closing questions Q5 and Q6 are discussed. Participants are thanked for their participation.
CHECKLIST OF SUPPLIES
THINGS TO BRING
Completed nameplates for each participant (first names only) – put at check in desk or arrange intentionally
Moderator’s business cards – put at check-in desk
Focus group surveys (bring 12 copies) – put at check-in desk
Focus group worksheets (bring 12 copies) – save for distribution at end of focus group
Moderator time-keeping instrument (watch, phone, stopwatch) – put by where moderator stands/sits
20 blank sheets of paper and 12 pencils
Diaspora engagement concept sheets (2 sets – one for flip chart, one for wall)
150 Stickers (5green/5yellow/5red for each participant – 50 of each color for a 10-person group)
THINGS TO HAVE IN ROOM
Flip chart in room with markers (see note in protocol – write investment models on separate sheets of flip chart)
Water/light snacks for participants; water for moderator
Digital recording/transcriber (table and chair for transcriber if present in room)
QUESTIONS
INTRODUCTION – My name is XXXXXX. I’ve been hired as a consultant for the Partnership Services Program (PSP), a U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)-funded project implemented by SSG Advisors. PSP is supporting USAID’s Global Development Lab, Center for Transformational Partnerships, and Nigeria Mission to perform a Nigerian diaspora engagement survey. In my role as consultant, I will moderate this focus group discussion today. In this study, USAID is asking the question: How does the Nigerian diaspora feel about investing their time, talent and/or financial resources in Nigeria to promote development? We call this diaspora investment of time, talent, and/or financial resources “diaspora engagement.” So, what types of diaspora engagement are the most attractive to the Nigerian diaspora? We will be exploring this in detail today. Your opinion and voice count. Thank you for taking the time to participate in this conversation today.
Let’s first identify terms more specifically. “Diaspora engagement” means a broad range of things from remitting cash to friends and family, investing financial capital into for-profit businesses or non-profit businesses, contributing money to charities, and participating in volunteer opportunities in Nigeria – even traveling there for business or pleasure. “Diaspora” refers to people who maintain an identity or connection with Nigeria. This can refer to those who have emigrated from Nigeria and are now living outside the country, it can refer to individuals who spend part of their time in Nigeria and part of their time in another country (or countries), or it can refer to the children and grandchildren of emigrants from Nigeria – as long as they feel an affinity for Nigeria as a type of “home.”
How many of you have ever participated in a focus group (show of hands)? This is how one works. The role of the moderator is to facilitate conversation (like a class), foster conversation – even disagreement, by asking questions. The goal is to have everyone speak, and it is more interesting when different points of view are voiced. There are no right or wrong answers to anything we will discuss today. We are seeking your honest and detailed opinion.
Please respect the opinions of others. We have purposefully selected individuals from different backgrounds with different opinions so we can better understand the important diversity that exists within this diaspora community. We encourage you to politely listen when others are speaking – even when they say things that you might not agree with. But we also encourage you to interact with one another: question each other, ask for clarification, and where you would like amplify or respectfully disagree with another person. Our job is to facilitate a conversation among all of you -- not to lead the conversation.
Our discussion will be audio recorded for the purposes of notetaking and analysis only. The audiofile will remain in the possession of the research team and will not be shared. The transcript of the discussion will be analyzed along with the other data collected in this study. In neither the transcript nor in the final report will your comments be attached to your name. We will only identify speakers by gender, age, and the city where this discussion is taking place. Does everyone understand and agree with this plan? [get verbal consent]. Is there anyone who is uncomfortable with or does not understand this plan? Feel free to speak up now so we can clarify. [pause]
All right! Let’s proceed. This is going to be fun! The conversation should last about two hours. If you need to use the facilities at any time, please feel free to step out. The restrooms are located XXX.
Any questions?
[OPENING]
Each of you has a sheet of paper in front of you. Would you please take a moment to write down two adjectives – descriptive words – that describe how you FEEL about being a member of the Nigerian diaspora. In a moment, we will share our thoughts with others.
[Pause] For this first question, let’s go around the room. First, tell us your name. Then, share with us: “How do you feel about being a member of the Nigerian diaspora– and WHY? [PROBE – Is it comforting? Is it frustrating? Is it sad or lonely? Is it joyful?]
[TRANSITION]
As we said before, “diaspora engagement” is our focus today – and diasporans engage in their countries of origin and heritage in many different ways – sending remittances, traveling back home, giving to charities, volunteering, investing in businesses, etc.
What do you think are KEY OBSTACLES to diaspora engagement in Nigeria? What needs to change, improve, or be created to encourage diasporans to engage more in Nigeria? [PROBE – Are their specific things you wish the Nigerian government would do? USAID? The World Bank? The diaspora organization that you belong to?]
[KEY – CONCEPT INTRODUCTION]
Next, I’m going to show you seven different general descriptions of diaspora engagement opportunities that could be marketed to the Nigerian diaspora. We will discuss each in turn. For each, I’d like you to tell me WHAT YOU LIKE OR DISLIKE ABOUT THE CONCEPT, IF YOU THINK THE CONCEPT WOULD BE ATTRACTIVE TO THE NIGERIAN DIASPORA, AND HOW THE CONCEPT MIGHT BE DEVELOPED TO BEST ENGAGE THE NIGERIAN DIASPORA.
NOTE – PLACE THE TEXT THAT APPEARS IN EACH OF THE GRAY BOXES BELOW ON A FLIPCHART BEFORE THE FOCUS GROUP BEGINS. MAKE SURE THERE ARE SEVERAL BLANK PAGES COVERING UP THESE OPTIONS ON TOP. THEN REVEAL ONE AT A TIME AND DISCUSS DURING THIS PART OF THE FOCUS GROUP.IN EACH FOCUS GROUP, CHANGE UP ORDER OF CONCEPT PRESENTATION TO PREVENT ORDER-EFFECT BIAS.
[DISPLAY GRAPHIC THAT ILLUSTRATES INVESTMENT PLATFORM CONCEPT]
Imagine an online platform that would provide you with a catalog of business projects seeking potential investment in Nigeria that have been selected and vetted based on stringent criteria. Key information about selected business projects and other due diligence information is offered on a factsheet. Each factsheet provides further information to help you make informed decisions about your investment choices, including information about the expected rate of return. Factsheets are organized by geography, industry focus, and development theme in the catalog.
4A1. What do you like or dislike about this model?
4A2. Do you think such a model would be attractive to the Nigerian diaspora? Why or why not?
4A3. What types of sectors should the projects focus on (probes: for example, agriculture, health, education, energy, enabling environment)? In what regions would this be most interesting/relevant? Would you prefer that the projects be from microenterprises? Small and medium sized firms? Larger firms?
4A4. Would a platform be enough to engage participation from the diaspora, or would face-to-face communication and meetings be necessary, such as in the form of an organized visit to Nigeria.
[DISPLAY GRAPHIC THAT ILLUSTRATES TRADE FACILITATION CONCEPT]
Imagine an online platform that would create connections between Nigerian businesses and US-based, diaspora-owned businesses to facilitate trade through sourcing connections and market linkages.
4B1. What do you like or dislike about this model?
4B2. Do you think such a model would be attractive to the Nigerian diaspora? Why or why not?
4B3. What types of sectors should the projects focus on (probes: for example, agriculture, health, education, energy, enabling environment)? In what regions would this be most interesting/relevant? Would you prefer that the projects be from microenterprises? Small and medium sized firms? Larger firms?
4B4. Would a platform be enough to engage participation from the diaspora, or would face-to-face communication and meetings be necessary, such as in the form of an organized visit to Nigeria.
[DISPLAY GRAPHIC THAT ILLUSTRATES PLATFORM FOR DIASPORA ENTREPRENEURS]
Imagine an online platform that facilitates and establishes partnerships between diaspora entrepreneurs with businesses in Nigeria or facilitates business connections for diaspora new ventures in Nigeria.
4C1. What do you like or dislike about this model?
4C2. Do you think such a model would be attractive to the Nigerian diaspora? Why or why not?
4C3. What types of sectors should the projects focus on (probes: for example, agriculture, health, education, energy, enabling environment)? In what regions would this be most interesting/relevant?
4C4. Would a platform be enough to engage participation from the diaspora, or would face-to-face communication and meetings be necessary, such as in the form of an organized visit to Nigeria.
[DISPLAY GRAPHIC THAT ILLUSRATES PHILANTHROPY PLATFORM]
Imagine an online platform that connects vetted non-governmental organizations in Nigeria that are eligible for charitable donation to the Nigerian diaspora ?
4D1. What do you like or dislike about this model?
4D2. Do you think such a model would be attractive to the Nigerian diaspora? Why or why not?
4D3. What types of sectors should this project focus on (probes: health, education, sanitation, skills training, etc.)
4D4. Would a platform be enough to engage participation from the diaspora, or would face-to-face communication and meetings be necessary, such as in the form of an organized visit to Nigeria.
[DISPLAY GRAPHIC THAT ILLUSRATES INVESTMENT FUND]
Imagine an investment fund that raises funds from the Nigerian diaspora to lend money to enterprises in Nigeria. Depending on how the fund is structured, USAID or another partner might offer some sort of credit enhancement or guarantee to reduce the risk of lending to Nigerian enterprises. Enterprises receiving funding would be selected and vetted based on strict criteria and would be expected to conform to US standards of transparency and audit.
4E1. What do you like or dislike about this model?
4E2. Do you think such a model would be attractive to the Nigerian diaspora? Why or why not?
4E3. What types of sectors should the projects focus on (probes: for example, agriculture, health, education, energy, enabling environment)? In what regions would this be most interesting/relevant? Would you prefer that the loans be made to microenterprises? Small and medium sized firms? Larger firms?
4E4. What would be the most important objective of this fund? Financial returns? Social returns?
[DISPLAY GRAPHIC THAT ILLUSRATES VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY]
Imagine a volunteer opportunity in which members of the Nigerian diaspora were invited to participate in short-term internships or mentorship programs in Nigeria, working in local organizations or with entrepreneurs there.
4F1. What do you like or dislike about this model?
4F2. Do you think such a model would be attractive to the Nigerian diaspora? Why or why not?
4F3. Next, let’s talk about what other aspects or details about the opportunity you would want to consider before deciding to engage.
[DISPLAY GRAPHIC THAT ILLUSRATES ONLINE MENTORING OPPORTUNITY]
Imagine a volunteer platform in which members of the Nigerian diaspora were matched with entrepreneurs and/or university students in Nigeria to mentor them online.
4H1. What do you like or dislike about this model?
4H2. Do you think such a model would be attractive to the Nigerian diaspora? Why or why not?
4H3. What types of mentoring activities would you or people you know envision doing in this type of program?
[KEY ACTIVITY]
You will notice that we have posted signs up around the room that represent each of the diaspora engagement opportunities that we have discussed today. There are 7 of them. We are going to give you some stickers to allocate to these opportunities to determine how you feel about USAID creating these opportunities to support Nigerian diaspora engagement in Nigeria.
If you place a RED sticker next to an opportunity, you are communicating to us that you think this opportunity SHOULD NOT be created by USAID. If you place a GREEN sticker next to an opportunity, you are communicating to us that you think the opportunity DEFINITELY SHOULD be created by USAID. If you place a YELLOW sticker next to an opportunity, you are communicating that you either have questions or concerns about the opportunity – or you feel that this is a lower-priority project for USAID.
Do not pay attention to how others are allocating their stickers. We want your stickers to reflect how you feel personally.
Please take a moment, walk around the room and place stickers under the diaspora engagement opportunity signs.
[After all stickers are allocated, add up each color for each opportunity. Note the tallies out loud to the group]. Did the outcome of this activity surprise anyone? How/why? Was this activity easy or hard? Why? Are there any differences of opinion reflected in the stickers or does there seem to be general agreement. How/why?
Our goal today was to learn from you how the Nigerian diaspora feels about investing their time, talent, and/or financial resources in Nigeria. Is there anything we missed? Is there anything that you wanted to say tonight that you did not get a chance to say? We are particularly interested to hear about other types of diaspora engagement ideas that you have that we did not have time
Short Survey Questionnaire (to be completed prior to the start of the Focus Group)
Thank you for agreeing to participate in today’s focus group discussion. Before we begin, please provide some basic information about yourself. Answers to these questions will remain anonymous and confidential. The data you provide here only will be reported in aggregate with answers provided by other participants.
Q1. Over the past three years, how many times have you visited Nigeria? ____________ times
Q2. What is the approximate value of annual remittances (money and goods) that you have sent to Nigeria?
In the past year $ ______________
One year ago $ ______________
Two years ago $ ______________
Q3. What is the approximate value of money you have given to charities in Nigeria?
In the past year $ ______________
One year ago $ ______________
Two years ago $ ______________
Q4. What is the approximate value of money that you have invested in Nigeria, including investments in Nigerian companies or other investment vehicles?
In the past year $ ______________
One year ago $ ______________
Two years ago $ ______________
Q5. In what city and country were you born? _________________________________ CITY
_________________________________ COUNTRY
IF YOU WERE BORN OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES, WHAT YEAR DID YOU ARRIVE IN THE UNITED STATES FOR THE FIRST TIME? _____________________ (YEAR)
Q6. In what year were you born? ________________ (YEAR)
Q7. Which of the following (if any) of your relatives were born in Nigeria?
One or both of your parents
One or more of your grandparents
One or more of your great-grandparents
None of my parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents were born in Nigeria
Q8. What is your current occupation?
Business owner/entrepreneur
Clerical/administrative professional
Doctor/nurse/medical professional
Engineer/technical professional
Financial services professional
Government worker
Homemaker
Investor (full-time)
Lawyer or legal professional
Manager
Researcher/scientist/professor
Student (full-time)
Teacher/education professional (primary and secondary education)
Retired
Q9. What is the highest level of education you have completed?
Less than high school diploma
Technical/trade school diploma
Associates degree
Bachelor’s degree
Master’s degree
Doctoral degree
Q10. What is your gender?
Female
Male
Q11. What is your approximate total annual family income from all sources?
US$50,000-US$99,999
US$100,000-US$149,999
US$150,000-US$199,999
US$200,000-US$249,999
US$250,000-US$999,999
US$1 million or more
Q12. What is your net investable wealth (Investable wealth includes liquid assets such as cash, stocks, bonds, insurance but EXCLUDES property)
Less than US$50,000
US$50,000-US$99,999
US$100,000-US$149,999
US$150,000-US$199,999
US$200,000-US$249,999
Over US$250,000
US$1 million or more
| File Type | application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document |
| Author | Joyner, Sylvia B(M/AS/IRD) |
| File Modified | 0000-00-00 |
| File Created | 2021-01-22 |