Abstract:
Increasing productivity in the dairy sector is necessary for enhancing farm incomes, improving nutrition, reducing poverty as well as meeting the growing demand for dairy products by the growing urban population. Appropriate breeding methods are crucial in ensuring access to dairy breeds that are needed for increased productivity and long term growth and sustainability of the sector Utilization of sexed semen in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (SIFET) technologies in this sector could be used to speedily deliver appropriate genotypes. However, the cost of producing and delivering SIFET technologies and the farmers’ willingness to pay for SIFET in Kenya were unknown. The goal of this study was to analyze constraints to use of existing breeding services, farmers’ willingness to pay and cost of producing and delivering SIFET. A sample of 157 farmers was selected through multi-stage sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, focus group discussions, personal observations and documentary 2[2.§§'S1S of existing literature. Contingent Valuation Method was used in determining farmers’ ingness to pay. Data were entered using Microsoft Excel and STATA software and analyzed using contingency tables, descriptive statistics, correlations, tests of significance, Ordinary Least Squared Technique of multiple regression method and cost-benefit analysis (CBA) tools. Results of this study shows that although AI is preferred to bull service, it is less used than bull service. The most common constraint cited by farmers who use AI is the need for more than one insemination as cows do not conceive after the first insemination. Further, off-farm income, farm income, breeding service that was previously used, number of improved cattle, quantityiof milk produced and location of the household have a significant influence on farnler’s willingness to pay (WTP) for SIFET. A financial cost-benefit analysis (CBA) for production and delivery of SIFET indicated a positive net present value of an investment. This implies that SIFET is an economically viable investment. The study recommends improvement in infrastructure and creation of an enabling policy environment as crucial inputs that are necessary for development and dissemination of breeding technologies in Kenya. Further research could be carried out to assess viability of SIFET reproductive technology at farm leveling
