DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17659391
title: Dataset for the analysis of farmers' perceptions towards stakeholders in the context of biodiversity-friendly farming by means of perception matrix

description: # Perception Matrix Dataset from 49 Farmer Interviews

## Title**Perception Matrix Ratings from 49 Farmer Interviews on Stakeholder Relations in the Context of Biodiversity-Friendly Farming**

## Authors- **Verena Scherfranz**, BOKU University  (ORCID: 0000-0002-3496-5957)- **Lena Schaller**, BOKU University (ORCID: 0000-0002-8313-8798)

## DescriptionThis dataset contains numerical data collected during 49 semi-structured interviews with farmers as part of a perception matrix study conducted at BOKU University. The aim of the study was to explore how farmers perceive different stakeholder groups in relation to biodiversity-friendly farming.

The dataset includes detailed information on interviewees’ farm characteristics as well as their individual perception ratings regarding 12 stakeholder types. All data has been fully cleaned and anonymized.

## ContentsThe dataset is provided as a single Excel file containing:

- **Farm and Farmer Characteristics**  - Farm type    - Farm size    - Farm management    - Age and gender of interviewees    - Agricultural education  

- **Perception Matrix Ratings**  - Individual ratings of 12 stakeholder groups    - Scores range from **1 (low)** to **5 (high)**

## MethodologyData was collected through structured matrix-based interviews with 49 farmers. Each participant rated 12 predefined stakeholder categories using a 1–5 scale. Farm characteristics were documented to enable comparative and context-specific analysis.

After collection, the dataset was cleaned and anonymized to ensure privacy and consistent formatting.  The dataset served as the empirical basis for a perception matrix study investigating farmers’ perceptions of stakeholders within the context of biodiversity-friendly agricultural practices.

## File Format- **Excel (.xlsx)** — compatible with standard spreadsheet software (Microsoft Excel, LibreOffice, Google Sheets).

## Metadata / Variable DescriptionsThe Excel file includes:- An anonymized respondent ID  - Farm and demographic variables  - Twelve numeric perception rating variables (1–5)

Variable names and coding schemes are provided within the spreadsheet.

## Usage Notes- The dataset is anonymized and suitable for further research, statistical analysis, and methodological replication.  - Please acknowledge the authors when reusing the data.  - For thorough interpretation, users may also refer to the associated peer-reviewed publication.

## License**CC BY 4.0** — You may share and adapt the material with appropriate attribution.

## How to CiteScherfranz, V., & Schaller, L. (2025). *Perception Matrix Ratings from 49 Farmer Interviews on Stakeholder Relations in the Context of Biodiversity-Friendly Farming* (Version X). Zenodo. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17659392

## Related PublicationVerena Scherfranz, Katie Moon, Jochen Kantelhardt, Anneli Adler, Sílvia Barreiro, Flaviu Valentin Bodea, Vincent Bretagnolle, Viviane Brönnimann, Jan Peter Reinier de Vries, Alice Dos Santos, Maura Ganz, José M. Herrera, Amelia S.C. Hood, Friedrich Leisch, Alice L. Mauchline, Indrek Melts, Razvan Popa, Vanesa María Rivera Girón, Andy Ruck, Flóra Vajna, Elena Velado-Alonso, Lena Schaller (2024) Using a perception matrix to elicit farmers‘ perceptions towards stakeholders in the context of biodiversity-friendly farming, Journal of Rural Studies, Volume 108, 2024, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrurstud.2024.103282

## ContactFor questions regarding the dataset, please contact:  **Lena Schaller**, BOKU University  ORCID: 0000-0002-8313-8798