Economic valuation of animal genetic resources: a case study of indigenous cattle in Kenya

There is increasing global concern about the potential long term consequences of the loss of domestic animal biodiversity. Of particular interest is the situation in Africa where on one hand, livestock make the greatest contribution to human livelihoods while on the other, genetic erosion has placed important indigenous breeds at risk of extinction. Economic valuation of these animal genetic resources (AnGR) would improve decision making regarding their conservation and sustainable utilisation. This paper investigates the valuation of indigenous cattle in Kenya, an example of a genetic resource at risk. Using data from a stated choice experiment survey conducted in Kenya’s pastoral livestock markets, a latent class, random utility approach is employed to characterise heterogeneity in valuations across and within various segments of buyers. The results provide empirical evidence that suggeststhere are at least three classes of buyers with distinct preferences and that most types of buyer favour exotic rather than indigenous breeds. Such segmented information can help inform the design and targeting of economic incentives for the conservation and sustainable management of AnGR in developing countries.