Questionnaire for Village Study
Instructions
Whenever possible, try to get specific answers (not just 'yes' or 'no') to open-ended
questions.
Feel free to add more questions or reword them to fit your specific needs.
Section 1: Geography and Demographics
1. Location:
o What is the name of the village?
o What district/block is the village located in?
o Provide coordinates (latitude, longitude) if possible.
o Approximate altitude?
2. Boundaries and Area:
o Can you describe the boundaries of the village? (landmarks, neighboring
villages)
o What is the approximate total area of the village?
3. Population:
o What is the approximate total population?
o How many households are in the village?
o Can you provide a breakdown of population by:
Age groups (e.g., under 18, 18-65, over 65)
Gender
Major ethnic groups
Major Religions
4. Migration:
o Does migration into or out of the village occur? If so, approximately how
many people in the past 5 years?
o Why do people migrate in/out?
Section 2: Infrastructure and Services
5. Roads:
o What is the condition of roads within the village? How far are paved roads?
o How accessible is the village during different seasons?
6. Basics:
o Does the village have reliable electricity?
o What are the primary sources of water? (Wells, boreholes, piped, etc.) Is it
safe for drinking?
o What sanitation facilities are used? (Toilets, open defecation, etc.)
7. Healthcare:
o What is the nearest primary health center/clinic? How far?
o How do people access healthcare in emergencies?
o Any traditional healers active in the community?
8. Education:
o Are there schools within the village? What levels?
o What is the approximate school attendance rate for children?
Any adult education opportunities?
o
9. Communication and Transport:
o Is there mobile phone network coverage? If so, is it reliable?
o Is there any internet connectivity? Where?
o What forms of public transportation are available? How frequent?
Section 3: Economic Activities
10. Livelihoods:
What are the primary ways people make a living?
For farmers: What are major crops grown? Livestock raised?
Any non-farm livelihoods? (shops, businesses, wage labor, etc.)
11. Land Use:
o Approximately how much land is used for:
Agriculture?
Housing?
Forest?
Other?
12. Income:
o Can you give a very rough estimate of average household income range?
o Is income evenly distributed or are there large inequalities?
13. Market:
o Is there a local market? How often?
o Where do people go to buy/sell goods they don't produce themselves?
14. Cooperatives/Support:
o Are there cooperatives or self-help groups in the village?
o What do they focus on?
Section 4: Social Structure and Institutions Many of these can be answered best through
interviews/observation
15. Governance:
o Does the village have a traditional council or headman? How are the chosen?
o Is there a functioning Panchayat? How involved are people?
16. Religion:
o Are there places of worship in the village? What faiths do they serve?
o How important a role does religion play in village life?
17. Community Groups:
o Are there other active groups (women's groups, youth groups, etc.)?
18. Social Structures:
o Is there a caste system? How does it influence daily life?
o How would you describe gender roles in work and decision-making?
o How easily do people access government services and programs?
19. NGOs:
o Are there any NGOs or civil society groups working in the village?
1. Understand the different categories of non-farm livelihoods being practiced in the
village and also the numbers of families engaged.
2. Determine the contribution of non-farm livelihood activities to household incomes.
3. Analyze local market opportunities and demand for goods and services produced
through non-farm activities.
4. Develop an understanding about the services and/or goods which are being circulated
within the village and those which are being taken from outside of the village.
5. Analyse at least two non-farm initiatives being done by the SHG members or their
families and understand its profitability. Also reasons for the choice of the
trade/activity by the owner.
Types of Photos
Landscape and Environment:
o Panoramic Shots: Capture the overall layout of the village, its relationship to
surrounding terrain (hills, rivers, etc.), and how land is used.
o Land Use Details: Photos highlighting different land types (agricultural
fields, forests, pastureland, water bodies).
o Environmental Concerns: If relevant, photos showing issues like soil
erosion, deforestation, or pollution.
Infrastructure:
o Roads & Transport: Pictures of the conditions of roads, types of
vehicles/transport used.
o Housing: Photos of typical homes (construction materials, size), as well any
significant variations within the village.
o Water & Sanitation: Photos of water sources (wells, pumps), sanitation
facilities.
o Public Buildings: Schools, health clinics, community centers, places of
worship.
Daily Life and Economic Activity:
o Farming Practices: People working in fields, specific crops, farming
techniques/tools.
o Livestock: Animals used for farming or as part of livelihoods.
o Markets: Photos of market stalls, goods sold, how busy it is.
o Other Livelihood Activities: If there are significant non-farm activities,
capture these as well (crafts, shops, etc.).
People and Social Dynamics:
o Portraits (with permission): Individuals or families that represent different
age groups, occupations, ethnicities within the village.
o Social Gatherings: Festivals, religious events, or community meetings.
o Schools: Classrooms in session, children playing during break time.
