The determinants of demand for artificial insemination in Kenya

Abstract

The haphazard and sudden implementation of liberalization policies in the 1990's in Kenya led to a reduction in the use of agricultural technology, as cost recovery begun to bite. Policymakers have struggled to understand why these effects were particularly sharp in the use of Artificial Insemination in dairy cattle. Using a qualitative response model we examine the factors that determine the demand for AI in the central Kenya highlands. The data is from a survey of 300 hundred households drawn from three districts in Kenya representing different production system characteristics We find that the use of AI technology is closely related to the education level of the farmer, his age. experience, herd sizes, breeds kept as well as proximity to critical veterinary and Al services. Market access is also important as the demand for milk lead farmers to seek improvements in their animals; This research provides ample evidence for better targeting and policy making for AI services and similar technology. We provide policymakers with a basis for targeting the promotion of Al in the Kenyan highlands to households that produce replacement stock and engage in dairying for commercial purposes .