Farmers Willingness to Pay for Cochineal-Insect Resistant Cactus Varieties in Ethiopia

This study investigated the average willingness to pay (WTP) and its determinants for cochineal-insect resistant varieties of cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) in Ethiopia. Data were collected from 400 households using the contingent valuation method with a dichotomous choice elicitation format and analysed using probit, interval, and bivariate probit models. Results indicate that the average WTP for cochineal-resistant cactus varieties was 69.30 Ethiopian Birr per seedling. Gender of the household head, access to extension services, and cooperative membership were significant positive determinants of farmers’ WTP. Conversely, the initial bid price negatively affected farmers’ WTP, consistent with the law of demand. Therefore, the government should integrate cochinealinsect resistant cactus varieties into national agricultural innovation and climate resilience strategies by providing subsidies, gender-inclusive training, and robust institutional support.