What is a key informant interview?
A key informant interview is a one-on-one interview with an individual who is in a position to provide information and insights on a selected topic. It is an in-depth exchange with intensive probing in which the interviewer and interviewee discuss topics related to a project or activity. During the session, the interviewer frames the questions and probes the informant to elicit more information. The interviewer remains neutral and does not lead the question in a biased direction. The atmosphere is informal, resembling a conversation among colleagues or acquaintances. The recorder takes extensive notes, which are developed and interpreted after the interview ends.

Key informants-typically, a select group of 20 to 25 individuals (comprising policymakers, managers, service providers, community representatives, and community leaders)-are selected for a variety of reasons:

• Their expertise in a given area
• Their status
• Their communication skills
• Their willingness to share their knowledge and skills with the interviewer
• Their ability to provide information, ideas, and insights about the issue under investigation

Interviews may be conducted by those who have a general idea of the topics and issues to be covered during the interviews (Hagen, 1995).