Consumer Preferences for Quality Attributes of Pest Resistant Genetically Modified Cowpea in Northern Nigeria

Abstract

This study elicited consumer preferences for the quality attributes of pest resistant genetically modified cowpea in Kaduna and Sokoto states, Northern Nigeria. Using choice-based sampling technique, a total of 208 respondents were randomly selected as sample size for the study. Choice data collected were analyzed using conditional logit and mixed logit discrete choice models.  The models were estimated using maximum likelihood estimation procedure. The pooled conditional logit results revealed that the coefficient for cowpea large grain size (0.464) relative to small grain size was positive and statistically significant at 5% level both in the study areas, meaning that in general consumers preferred cowpea large grain size than small sized cowpea grains in the study area. The results also indicated that consumers placed a relatively high level of importance on safety attribute of Bt cowpea in the study area. The pooled results from mixed logit revealed that the coefficient of cowpea large grain size was positive, normally distributed and statistically significant at 5% level with an estimated mean of 0.742 and estimated standard deviation of 1.457.  This implies that two third of the consumers had positive preference while one third had negative preference for cowpea large grain size. The coefficient of safety attribute was positive and statistically significant at 5% level with an estimated mean of 4.625 and estimated standard deviation of 2.608 in the study area. The study concluded that consumers significantly preferred safer cowpea varieties, and cowpea large grain size attributes in the study area. Finally, the coefficient of insect damage was also normally distributed with an estimated mean of -0.464 and estimated standard deviation of -1.208, indicating that 36 percent of the distribution was above zero and 64 percent below. This means that 36 percent of consumers preferred cowpea with insect damage, while 64 percent avoided cowpea with insect damage. The study also concluded consumers significantly discounted cowpea with insect damage in the study area. It is recommended that research should ensure to modify and protect the new Bt cowpea from insect damage. Furthermore, there is need for crop breeders to keep improve cowpea large grain size when introducing new varieties of Bt cowpea in the study area.