IMHELP project dataset 2025 Survey data on herbal medicine entrepreneurs and their female clients, gendered legitimation, and maternal health in Ghana

This dataset was generated as part of the IMHELP Project (“Improving Maternal Health in Africa: Exploring how gendered practices shape the legitimation process of informal healthcare providers”), funded by the British Academy (SRG22/220130). Data were collected between August 2025 and December 2025 in the Ashanti and Northern regions of Ghana using a mixed-methods design. The dataset comprises 448 survey responses from herbal medicine entrepreneurs, 656 survey responses from female clients, over 90 anonymised in-depth interview transcripts, and one focus group discussion. Quantitative surveys captured organisational practices, selective formalisation decisions, legitimacy perceptions, governance processes, marketing practices, and maternal health service outcomes. Qualitative interviews explored gendered identity work, legitimacy-building strategies, stakeholder engagement, and ethical decision-making in herbal medicine markets. All data have been fully anonymised in accordance with NTU and British Academy data management requirements. The dataset is static and will not be updated. It is deposited for long-term preservation (minimum ten years).