**5. Research design and methodology**

In order to find answers to the research questions, open-ended questions were administered to some of the players in the Egusi value chain in Nasarawa state, Nigeria. Nasarawa state is located in the north-central part of Nigeria and about 900– 1100 kilometers from Lagos and 50–100 kilometers from Abuja, the Federal Capital. The subsequent interviews were recorded and transcribed. The interview transcripts were analyzed using a thematic approach. The major themes are ecological, economic, and social sustainability.

## **5.1 Data gathering**

The main sources of data for this study were interviews and field visits. The interview guide was constituted of open-ended questions, which gave the interviewees the opportunity to express themselves while providing information about the research questions. The interviewees included the following


*Sustainable Agricultural Practices: Value Chain of Egusi, A Local Soup Condiment… DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.109854*

The interviewees selected for this study are stakeholders from Obi and Kokona LGAs of Nasarawa state. This is because of their years of experience. Obi and Kokona LGAs are also known for their high cultivation of Egusi. This location is in the north central of the country and approximately one and a half hours of flight time or 900–1100 kilometers by road, which may take a whole day's journey (**Table 1**).

#### **5.2 Data analysis**

In analyzing the data collected during the interview, thematic analysis was adopted. An inductive approach was used in coding the interview transcript. This allowed the author to begin with preset themes that are pertinent to the research questions and sustainable agriculture. These themes were then analyzed by deducing from the themes the information that pertains to the major aspects of sustainable agriculture. From the quotes, a comparative evaluation was carried out. This is illustrated as follows:

"*After harvesting, we bury what is left of the pods when we make ridges"* (Farmer A). *"The pods of the Egusi are left on the land so I bury them when I am making ridges for the next cultivation … "* (Farmer B).

From the quotes above, it is visible that both farmers use the leftover pods as manure.


**Table 1.** *Interviewees' details.*
