Producer preferences for attributes of maize and sorghum in Uganda

Abstract

Maize and sorghum are important staple cereal crops in Uganda and Africa as a whole. This study was conducted to examine producer preferences for maize and sorghum attributes in Uganda, with the aim of informing their breeding programs. The empirical work employed the hedonic price model. A number of productive attributes (plant height, plant cycle length, pest and disease resistance and drought tolerance) and two consumptive attributes, grain size and grain colour, were considered in the analysis. In addition, an array of household socioeconomic characteristics was also included in the analysis.

The data for the study were collected from the four districts of Masindi, Iganga, Soroti and Pallisa. A total of 325 observations from Masindi and Iganga for maize and a total of 326 observations from Soroti and Pallisa for sorghum were collected in a survey of farmers. The results of the study indicated that; maize producers were willing to pay a price premium for short plant height and increased yield, while they discounted plant cycle length, grain size and white grain colour. Drought tolerance and pest and disease resistance had little influence on the price farmers were willing to pay for maize seed. On the other hand, sorghum producers were willing to pay a price premium for short to medium plant cycle length and small grain size, while they discounted red- kernelled grain. High drought tolerance, plant height and medium grain size had little influence on the price farmers were willing to pay for sorghum seed.