Measuring Heterogeneous Preferences for Cattle Traits among Cattle-Keeping Households in East Africa |
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Authors: | Emily Ouma Awudu Abdulai Adam Drucker |
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Affiliation: | Emily Ouma is a graduate student and Awudu Abdulai is a professor at the Department of Food Economics and Consumption Studies, University of Kiel, Germany. Adam Drucker is senior researcher, School for Environmental Research, Charles Darwin University, Australia. |
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Abstract: | This study employs mixed logit and latent class models to examine preferences for cattle traits with a focus on heterogeneity among cattle keepers, using choice experiment data of 506 cattle-keeping households in Kenya and Ethiopia. The findings indicate the existence of preference heterogeneity based on cattle production systems. Highly valued cattle traits for the cropping systems include traction fitness and trypanotolerance, while traits associated with herd increase are considered important in pastoral systems. Considering heterogeneity within population segments provides a framework for adapting breeding policy interventions to specific producer segments, by integrating preferred traits in a breed improvement program. |
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Keywords: | cattle traits choice experiments latent class models mixed logit models nonmarket values preference heterogeneity |
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