Economic valuation of grazing management practices: discrete choice modeling in pastoral systems of Kenya

• Published in: Journal of environmental planning and management Vol. 63; no. 2; pp. 335 - 351
• Main Authors: Lutta, Alphayo I., Robinson, Lance W., Wasonga, Oliver V., Ruto, Eric, Sircely, Jason, Nyangito, Moses M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Abingdon Routledge 28.01.2020; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Discrete choice; discrete choice experiment; Economic analysis; Economic impact; Economic models; economic values; Elicitation; Empirical analysis; Grazing; Grazing lands; grazing management; Management; Mobility; Pastoralism; Pasture; Pasture management; Range management; Rangelands; Resource management; Valuation; Value; Variability; Water; welfare values; Kenya
• ISSN: 0964-0568; 1360-0559
• DOI: 10.1080/09640568.2019.1584097

This study estimates the economic contribution of grazing management practices in pastoral systems by specifically undertaking an economic analysis of pastoralists' preferences for grazing management practices and the economic value pastoralists place on them. The study applied the discrete choice experiment technique using a D-optimal design, a multi-attribute preference elicitation method to evaluate the economic value of grazing management options practiced in pastoral areas of Kenya. The results show that pastoral communities derive positive utility in connected systems that enable reciprocal access to resources in both wet and dry seasons. Pastoralism adapts to spatial-temporal variability of pasture and water through herd mobility; hence the positive utility derived from practices that contribute to the availability of adequate water and pasture across the seasons. These findings provide empirical evidence on the social and economic net benefits of rangeland management practices that should be enhanced to promote sustainable management of rangeland resources.