Consultant: PIM WTP Study

Background

To strengthen sweet potato seed system and improving nutritional status U5 children, several new improved bio-fortified varieties of sweet potato have been introduced in Rwanda since 2014 through partnership between the International Potato Center (CIP) and Rwanda Agricultural and Livestock Board (RAB). Through this collaboration, a strong sweet potato seed system with community-based decentralized vine multipliers (DVMs) as a source of quality sweet potato planting material for farmers has evolved. The DVMs are linked to a source of early generation seed producers to ensure that vines produced are quality vines and to farmers through government extension efforts and projects.

Objectives

Though majority of farmers obtain their sweet potato planting material from own sources or neighboring farmers, a market for quality vines has started emerging in recent years. This leads to the following research questions: what premium price are farmers willing to pay for quality vines and what are the drivers of the demand for quality vines? Are farmers willing to pay a premium for the high beta carotene nutritious bio-fortified varieties as opposed to the non-bio-fortified dominant local ones? What is the effect of information regarding the quality of vines on the demand for quality vines and the bio-fortified sweet potato varieties?

Deliverables

• Literature review and identify potential variables with justification from the past studies.
• Revise potential variables and incorporate in the econometric model.
• Econometric Analysis using STATA and results.
• Planning for the seed system workshop and send out invitation.

Requirements

• PhD in Agricultural Economics and Applied Econometrics.
• At least eight (8) years of experience.
• Experience in Experimental Auctions studies using econometric tools; experience in STATA.
• Econometrics software – STATA; knowledge in using CS Pro; Survey CTO or ODK
• Advanced written and oral communication skills in English.
• Fluent in Kiswahili.
• Ability to work well in a multidisciplinary group.

Time frame

• Consultancy contract will be for 43 working days.

Conditions: This is a national consultancy position limited to Kenya nationals and permit residents only.