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Purpose: This study described the nutritional benefit of cassava leaf, assessed its level of cyanide content; examined respondents' awareness and perception; and analysed the factors determining livestock farmers' Willingness to Pay (WTP) for cassava leaves as a livestock feed ingredient. Research Method: Multistage sampling method was employed to select 160 livestock farmers in Osun state and semi -structured interview method was used for data collection which were analysed using logistic regression model. Findings: Results showed that larger percentages of the respondents are not aware of the nutritional benefit of the cassava leaf with 83% of the respondents willing to buy cassava leaves as feed. In addition, age, perception, business purpose, herd size, awareness and income seem to have an effect on farmers' WTP. Research Limitation: Recommended safe cyanogen level in livestock feed has not been ascertained in literature; a knowledge gap for further research validation. Originality/Value: Awareness, WTP and adoption of cassava leaf as a livestock feed ingredient could be made a generalized and sustainable economic development in animal feed sector if awareness could be increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the current travel restrictions with the COVID-19 pandemic, there is an unprecedented opportunity for Hawai'i to reexamine its current tourism offerings and establish a new approach to support a more authentic, cultural, and sustainable tourism for the U.S. domestic tourist market. As tourists from the continental U.S. are the largest source market for visitors to Hawai'i, the purpose of this study is to examine the trend towards an "authentic cultural" tourism experience and evaluate whether U.S. visitors will be willing to pay for a deeper integration and representation of Hawaiian culture in tourism offerings. The contingent valuation method (CVM) was adopted to quantify the willingness to pay (WTP) more by the tourists to Hawaii in order to experience a more "authentic Hawaiian cultural experience" as well as "sustainable experiences". Differences between returning and first-time visitors were considered. This study focused on continental U.S. visitors' perceptions of Hawaiian culture and the sustainability of Hawaiian tourism products, as well as the assessment of locally grown food and tourists' willingness to pay extra for these tourism products and experiences. The contingent valuation survey demonstrated that continental U.S. travelers were supportive of an additional fee in order to experience authentic Hawaiian cultural and tourism experiences designed and/or facilitated by Native Hawaiians. In addition, U.S. visitors were also supportive of paying additional fees for activities or experiences to support sustainable tourism in Hawai'i, including paying more for locally grown food, indicating that they would be willing to increase their restaurant/hotel food bill in order to support the Hawaii's local farming industry. The results of this study demonstrate that there are economic opportunities to further integrate Hawaiian culture and sustainability into the experience of visitors, and that U.S. visitors are willing to support these cultural activities financially. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water scarcity is a major issue in the developing countries. As a result of population expansion, water distribution to homes is becoming increasingly difficult. As the quality of water delivery infrastructure deteriorates, clean water is mingling with sewage and becoming a cause of waterborne illnesses. In the city of Coimbatore, the Contingent Valuation Method was used to determine the willingness to pay (WTP) for better water delivery. This study looks into the relationship between WTP and socioeconomic factors as income, housing, and employment. In addition, 100 people were randomly selected and handed questionnaires. In statistical analysis, multiple regression is performed to find the variables that determine WTP for enhanced water supply quality. According to the data, the income variable had the biggest impact on the WTP for increased water supply. The amount of water supplied to the general populace was often inadequate. As a result, it's apparent that urban households regard water as a valuable commodity, as evidenced by their willingness to pay for it. Those with a higher income were more willing to pay for higher water quality and more consistent supply. This finding sustain the environmental economic theory which assumes that the demand for an improved environmental quality increases with income. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The environmental impact of food consumption has been widely discussed, while it is still unclear whether carbon labels could play a role in persuading consumers to purchase food products with low greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE), especially in transitional economies where the demand for animal-based foods has shown a dramatic increase. This study extends the literature by examining consumers' willingness to pay (WTP) for carbon-neutral-labeled beef products in urban China and evaluating GHGE from consumers' food preferences for carbon-neutral-labeled beef products. We also project the potential GHGE reduction under various scenarios due to the changes in consumers' preferences for carbon-neutral-labeled beef products across different consumer segments. Based on a sample randomly collected in urban China, a choice experiment is conducted with the consideration of four attributes (price, carbon neutral label, feed methods, and origin) for beef products. The random parameter logit (RPL) and latent class model (LCM) are applied to measure consumers' WTPs and identify consumer segments, respectively. We find that consumers have a 28.92 CNY/500 g price premium for carbon-neutral-labeled beef, and a substitution effect is observed when both the carbon neutral label and the imported attribute (or grass-fed attribute) are present. In the projections based on the income distribution of consumer segments, we find that carbon-neutral-labeled beef leads to the greatest GHGE reduction (27.072%) when the population of the medium-income group increases. Therefore, promoting the implementation of carbon labels on agricultural products with high‑carbon footprints in transitional countries such as China, especially for beef products, would contribute to transforming agri-food systems to achieve the carbon neutrality goal. • Consumers have strong WTPs (28.92 CNY/500 g) for carbon-neutral-labeled beef. • There is a substitution effect when both the carbon neutral label and the imported attribute are present. • Consuming carbon-neutral-labeled beef leads to a 27.072% reduction in GHGE as the medium-income population rises. • Implementing carbon labels on agricultural products would help to reduce GHGE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mangroves are one of the most biodiverse but degraded type of ecosystems globally. There has been a strong impetus for mangrove restoration globally to compensate for mangrove loss. Understanding the public acceptability and preference heterogeneity for mangrove restoration could help practitioners tailor restoration programs, improve stakeholder engagement, and ultimately improve the chances of restoration success. Here we conduct a choice experiment to understand the heterogeneity of public acceptability for mangrove restoration in the Large Xiamen Bay (LXB), China. We estimate the total economic value of mangrove restoration and compare the marginal willingness to pay (MWTP) for each attribute (including an ecosystem disservice) between participants with different socio-demographic characteristics and living locations. Using both the random parameter logit model and latent class model, our results reveal that the respondents' location, socio-demographic characteristics, interaction with the coastal environment, and knowledge about mangroves have significant effects on their acceptability and preference for mangrove restoration. Such findings can provide guidance to practitioners when planning and implementing mangrove restoration projects, to improve the effectiveness and equity of restoration actions in LXB and beyond. By including an ecosystem disservice our study arguably elicits more comprehensively preference tradeoffs, which should be considered in future applications of choice experiments for ecosystem restoration. • Elicit public preferences for mangrove restoration through a choice experiment. • Inclusion of a mangrove disservice to understand trade-offs in mangrove restoration preferences. • Preference heterogeneity primarily due to respondent characteristics and secondarily due to location. • Strong preference for coastal protection services from restored mangroves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the construction industry, workers are exposed to hazardous emissions, such as dust, and various diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which affect workers. There is, however, a lack of studies that evaluate the dust that workers are exposed to, taking into account different factors of dust. Therefore, this study aims to estimate the amount of dust construction workers are exposed to by considering different factors of dust emission and to assess the health and economic impact of dust emissions. This study is conducted in three steps: (1) scope definition, (2) definition of worker dust exposure, and (3) health impact assessment. As a result, dust concentrations from the energy used, the atmosphere, and during construction activities were 1.01 × 10−5 µg/m3, 37.50 µg/m3, and 1.33 × 104 µg/m3 respectively. Earthwork had the highest dust concentration of 3.85 × 103 µg/m3. The total added number of disability-adjusted life years (DALY) of workers was 0.0542a with an economic cost of $13,691.00. The contributions of this study are the accurate assessment of the amount of dust workers are exposed to and the development of policies to help compensate construction workers suffering from dust emission-related diseases.

Cheap Talk (CT) is a mainstay technique among stated preference practitioners to reduce Hypothetical Bias (HB). The usefulness of CT may be questionable in online surveys due to the limited control researchers have on participant engagement. In the context of an online choice experiment on hotels, we compare a control group of respondents who receives a CT script as a traditional passage of text versus a group who must answer an attention-check question to verify their comprehension of the script as well as another group who receives the CT script as a video and then answer the attention-check question. We find that compared to the control group, simply offering the attention-check question reduced willingness to pay (WTP), and those who answer the attention-check question correctly behaved differently to those who did not. Overall, video CT script is shown to improve attention and be more effective in reducing potential HB than a text-based script. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is well established that the underlying theoretical assumptions needed to obtain a constant proportional trade‐off between a quality adjusted life year (QALY) and willingness to pay (WTP) are restrictive and often empirically violated. In this paper, we set out to investigate whether the proportionality conditions (in terms of scope insensitivity and severity independence) can be satisfied when data is restricted to include only respondents who pass certain consistency criteria. We hypothesize that the more we restrict the data, the better the compliance with the requirement of constant proportional trade‐off between WTP and QALY. We revisit the Danish data from the European Value of a QALY survey eliciting individual WTP for a QALY (WTP‐Q). Using a "chained approach" respondents were first asked to value a specified health state using the standard gamble (SG) or the time‐trade‐off (TTO) approach and subsequently asked their WTP for QALY gains of 0.05 and 0.1 (tailored according to the respondent's SG/TTO valuation). Analyzing the impact of the different exclusion criteria on the two proportionality conditions, we find strong evidence against a constant WTP‐Q. Restricting our data to include only respondents who pass the most stringent consistency criteria does not impact on the performance of the proportionality conditions for WTP‐Q. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The integration of soil value in agronomic micro‐level decision‐making and macro‐scale policy development has grown immensely in recent years. Major threats to soil resources and their impact on human well‐being require a comprehensive estimation of soil's economic worth, highlighting the need for sustainable and pragmatic conservation strategies. However, the absence of formal markets for numerous soil amenities, coupled with the heterogeneity of stakeholder cognition and spatio‐environmental factors, obfuscates the valuation process for soil and similar public goods. This paper aims to address such concerns by evaluating stakeholders' willingness to pay (WTP) for soil conservation as a proxy indicator for its explicit value. Two contingent valuation method (CVM) formats, the payment card (PC) and the dichotomous choice (DC), were used to analyse WTP in Norzagaray, Philippines. Results suggest farmers' income, education, land tenure type, level of environmental consciousness and proximity to amenities influence their inclination to spend on soil conservation measures. Econometric analyses indicate a compensating surplus corresponding to the mean WTP estimate of ₱79.98 (PC‐CVM) and a Turnbull WTP estimate of ₱99.47 (DC‐CVM). Estimated WTP values can be used in future benefit‐transfer studies, and the findings of the econometric models can be used in developing strategies that would promote greater stakeholder acceptance and participation. The approach presented here provides another step towards a more comprehensive characterization of soil value that integrates environmental valuation and econometric modelling with geospatial data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Italian Sounding—i. e., the Italian appearance of a product or service brand irrespective of its country of origin—represents a global market phenomenon affecting a wide range of economic sectors, particularly the agro-food sector. Although its economic impact has been repeatedly stressed from different points of view (policy, economy, culture, etc.), systematic scientific knowledge regarding its social–psychological bases is lacking. Three studies carried out in three different countries (Italy, China, and USA) address this literature gap. Different consumer groups (both native and/or non-native) are targeted regarding major product categories pre-selected categories, which are the major Italian food goods within the specific country according to piloting (oil and/or pasta). In each study, the main independent variable (product version) has been manipulated by presenting real product images (previously pre-selected within the tested food category in each country market), whose “Italianness” degree is effectively manipulated by the main study variable (product version) across three or four levels (Protected Designation of Origin Made in Italy, Made in Italy, Italian Sounding, and Generic Foreign). Main hypotheses are tested via a survey with the specific product images administered to samples in Italy (N = 204, 148 Italians and 56 non-Italians), China (N = 191, 100 Chinese and 91 non-Italian expatriates in China), and the USA (N = 237 US citizens). Across the three studies, results show that Made in Italy products, compared to the other ones, are advantaged in terms of the main dependent variables: reputation profile, general reputation, attitude, and willingness to pay (WTP). Moreover, Italian Sounding products are endowed with corresponding significant advantages when compared to the Generic Foreign by non-Italian samples (although to a different degree according to the different sub-samples). Results reveal the specific social–psychological profile of Italian Sounding products in terms of either weaknesses or strengths when compared to both Made in Italy products and Generic Foreign ones, differently in the eyes of Italian and non-Italian consumers across different countries. Finally, consistently across the three studies, the extent to which a food product is perceived to be Italian increases consumers' WTP for that product, and this effect is consistently mediated by the product's reputation.

Italian Sounding—i. e., the Italian appearance of a product or service brand irrespective of its country of origin—represents a global market phenomenon affecting a wide range of economic sectors, particularly the agro-food sector. Although its economic impact has been repeatedly stressed from different points of view (policy, economy, culture, etc.), systematic scientific knowledge regarding its social–psychological bases is lacking. Three studies carried out in three different countries (Italy, China, and USA) address this literature gap. Different consumer groups (both native and/or non-native) are targeted regarding major product categories pre-selected categories, which are the major Italian food goods within the specific country according to piloting (oil and/or pasta). In each study, the main independent variable (product version) has been manipulated by presenting real product images (previously pre-selected within the tested food category in each country market), whose "Italianness" degree is effectively manipulated by the main study variable (product version) across three or four levels (Protected Designation of Origin Made in Italy, Made in Italy, Italian Sounding, and Generic Foreign). Main hypotheses are tested via a survey with the specific product images administered to samples in Italy (N = 204, 148 Italians and 56 non-Italians), China (N = 191, 100 Chinese and 91 non-Italian expatriates in China), and the USA (N = 237 US citizens). Across the three studies, results show that Made in Italy products, compared to the other ones, are advantaged in terms of the main dependent variables: reputation profile, general reputation, attitude, and willingness to pay (WTP). Moreover, Italian Sounding products are endowed with corresponding significant advantages when compared to the Generic Foreign by non-Italian samples (although to a different degree according to the different sub-samples). Results reveal the specific social–psychological profile of Italian Sounding products in terms of either weaknesses or strengths when compared to both Made in Italy products and Generic Foreign ones, differently in the eyes of Italian and non-Italian consumers across different countries. Finally, consistently across the three studies, the extent to which a food product is perceived to be Italian increases consumers' WTP for that product, and this effect is consistently mediated by the product's reputation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Explore Chinese patients' risk-benefit preferences and willingness-to-pay (WTP) for antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) treatment through the discrete choice experiment (DCE).Method: Six attributes including the efficacy of AEDs, adverse reactions (digestive system, neuropsychic systems, and the effects on the fetus), dosing frequency and drug costs (to estimate patient WTP) were included in the DCE questionnaire based on results collected from literature reviews, expert consultation, and patient survey. The alternative-specific conditional logit model was used to analyze patient preference and WTP for each attribute and its level and to assess the sociodemographic impact and clinical characteristics.Results: A total of 151 valid questionnaires were collected. The result shows that five out of the six attributes are significant, except the dosing frequency. Among the six attributes, the efficacy of AEDs (10.0; 95% CI 8.9–11.1) is mostly concerned by patients, followed by the effects of AEDs on the fetus (8.9; 95% CI 7.7–10.1), duration of side effects in the neuropsychic system (4.9; 95% CI 3.7–6.0) and adverse reactions of the digestive system (3.2; 95% CI 1.5–4.2). The patients surveyed are willing to spend ¥ 1,246 (95% CI, ¥ 632- ¥ 1,861) per month to ensure 100% seizure control, and ¥ 1,112 (95% CI, ¥ 586–¥ 1,658) to reduce the risk of the drug affecting the fetus to 3%. Besides, it was found that personal characteristics including the intention for conception and AEDs treatment regimens have statistical significance.Conclusion: Improving the drug's efficacy and reducing its side effects are predominant considerations for patients with epilepsy in China, especially for those who are concerned about the seizure control and the drug effect on the fetus. This finding is useful to physicians and can encourage shared decision-making between the patients and their doctors in the clinic.

As a first discrete choice experiment in Iran emerging telecommunication market, this paper studies consumer preferences for prepaid mobile internet packages with a combined software and paper-based interview. A two-stage Bayesian D-optimal design procedure is deployed to design choice sets of mobile internet packages from four main attributes. The utility structure and customers’ willingness-to-pay for mobile internet packages are analyzed. Findings/originality: The results indicate that even with a considerable price reduction, consumers avoid prepaying for data plans with commitment periods longer than six months and high traffic volume. Traffic volume and brand attributes are recognized as the two most influential factors on consumers’ behavior. Simulating the market demonstrates the competition between mobile internet operators in Iran market. The statistics express a significant effect of consumers’ current mobile operator on their preferences for the brand attribute.

PPR remains a major challenge to smallholder farmers in Mali. To understand the drivers of low adoption of vaccination by farmers, we analyzed the socio-economic factors influencing farmer WTV during and in the absence of vaccination campaigns. Given that the costs associated with vaccination are largely borne by farmers, we assessed factors that associated with farmer willingness to pay (WTP) more than the current price (150 XOF per dose) by considering two attributes of improvement of the vaccines empirically highlighted as potential leverage points for intervention: access of farmers to vaccines (reducing the distance to the vaccine) and availability of information about the quality of the vaccine (introducing a vaccine viability detector). Data were collected in Mopti and Sikasso regions from 304 producers. Overall (n = 304), 89 percent of respondents vaccinated their herds during official vaccination campaigns. They are associated with receiving information on the campaign calendar more quickly if information is relayed at places of worship and if they have an awareness of the benefits of vaccination, including the protection of third parties. Only 39 percent of respondents vaccinate outside vaccination campaigns. They are positively linked to the credibility of private veterinarians and a recognition of the vital importance of vaccines but are negatively associated with ignorance of vaccination needs and concern about vaccine side-effects. Both distance-effects and quality-tracker effects are associated with farmer willingness to pay more than the current vaccine prices. Farmers practicing semi-intensive production systems are willing to pay 20 percent more than the current vaccine prices, as are users who believe in the beneficial effects of vaccination, users who consider the prices of vaccines as fair, and those who believe that some vaccines are more important than others. Factors that discourage producers from vaccinating or from paying more for vaccination would be more effectively managed with better communication on vaccine benefits through targeted information dissemination campaigns by Malian authorities. Greater price transparency throughout the vaccine production and deployment chain is critical, while timely availability of vaccine tested for viability would increase the willingness to vaccinate while improving access.

This paper focused on eggs enriched with omega-3-fatty acids with the aim of understanding if functional eggs were of interest to Italian consumers, and analyzing which characteristics of table egg quality, consumers’ attitudes and socio-demographic characteristics affect the consumers’ willingness to pay (WTP) a premium price for eggs enriched with omega-3-fatty acids. We performed an online survey on 312 Italian consumers. The analysis was based on the Tobit regression model. The findings showed that unmarried females were more willing to pay a premium price for functional eggs than male consumers. Furthermore, the probability of showing a higher WTP for functional eggs increased among consumers reporting a higher income. Moreover, the WTP for functional eggs increased with the growing importance that people attributed to items such as the size of eggs, rearing type, feed given to chickens, and the provenience and brand of eggs. These results suggested that consumers need to have clear information about functional eggs. As expected, WTP for functional eggs decreased with increasing neophobia and food techno-neophobia factors. In conclusion, the findings showed an interesting potential for eggs enriched with omega-3-fatty acids, which seems to be a product with high possibility to be greatly appreciated on the market, especially if accompanied by a good, informative campaign for increasing people’s knowledge level.

Abstract Background Malaysia has been experiencing an escalation in dengue cases since the past 5 years. As the dengue vaccine pipeline continues to develop steadily with strong public interests, this study had been sought to elicit the acceptance and the willingness to pay (WTP) for hypothetical dengue vaccine in Malaysia. Methods This study adopted the cross-sectional, contingent valuation study that involved 400 respondents in Penang, Malaysia. The double-bounded dichotomous choice via bidding game approach was employed to elicit the WTP value for two hypothetical 3-doses dengue vaccines (Vaccines A and B with 5- and 10-years’ protection, respectively against dengue). A univariate logistic regression model was employed to assess the key determinants of vaccine acceptance, while the mean WTP value and its associated factors were measured by using the parametric two-part model (TPM). Results Dengue vaccine appeared to be highly acceptable (88.4%) among the population in Penang, Malaysia. Respondents who were of Chinese ethnicity (OR 0.36, p = 0.017), with higher dengue knowledge score (OR 1.43, p = 0.016), and higher vaccination attitude score (OR 1.91, p

The main attractions of national parks include their scenic beauty, security, wildlife and trees. For preserving and maintaining national parks, an appropriate pricing policy can be used. The current study focuses on using the travel cost method (TCM) and contingent valuation method (CVM) as a non-market valuation technique to value the National Botanical Garden in Bangladesh, a developing country where little or no previous works of this kind has been conducted before. The main objective of the paper was to suggest an appropriate entrance fee for the park by assessing the willingness to pay (WTP) from the TCM and CVM; by determining a revenue maximizing entrance fee from the CVM; and by considering socio-demographics, the characteristics of visits and the motivation of the visitors to preserve the National Botanical Garden. The study sampled 100 visitors. These visitors participated in a survey which consisted of closed questions followed by a semi structured in-depth interview. For data processing, SPSS and Microsoft Excel were used. Based on the travel cost demand function using the TCM, the study found that the amount respondents were willing to pay for entrance was 0.955 US dollars and yearly consumer surplus was 593634.5 USD. From the CVM, it was estimated that the WTP was 0.225 USD for the entrance and revenue maximizing entrance fee was 0.376 USD. Finally, the entrance fee suggested for National Botanical Garden was around 0.225 USD.

Objective: Explore Chinese patients' risk-benefit preferences and willingness-to-pay (WTP) for antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) treatment through the discrete choice experiment (DCE). Method: Six attributes including the efficacy of AEDs, adverse reactions (digestive system, neuropsychic systems, and the effects on the fetus), dosing frequency and drug costs (to estimate patient WTP) were included in the DCE questionnaire based on results collected from literature reviews, expert consultation, and patient survey. The alternative-specific conditional logit model was used to analyze patient preference and WTP for each attribute and its level and to assess the sociodemographic impact and clinical characteristics. Results: A total of 151 valid questionnaires were collected. The result shows that five out of the six attributes are significant, except the dosing frequency. Among the six attributes, the efficacy of AEDs (10.0; 95% CI 8.9–11.1) is mostly concerned by patients, followed by the effects of AEDs on the fetus (8.9; 95% CI 7.7–10.1), duration of side effects in the neuropsychic system (4.9; 95% CI 3.7–6.0) and adverse reactions of the digestive system (3.2; 95% CI 1.5–4.2). The patients surveyed are willing to spend ¥ 1,246 (95% CI, ¥ 632- ¥ 1,861) per month to ensure 100% seizure control, and ¥ 1,112 (95% CI, ¥ 586–¥ 1,658) to reduce the risk of the drug affecting the fetus to 3%. Besides, it was found that personal characteristics including the intention for conception and AEDs treatment regimens have statistical significance. Conclusion: Improving the drug's efficacy and reducing its side effects are predominant considerations for patients with epilepsy in China, especially for those who are concerned about the seizure control and the drug effect on the fetus. This finding is useful to physicians and can encourage shared decision-making between the patients and their doctors in the clinic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While several studies segment the motives of travellers, the relationship between these segments, and the travellers' price perceptions, their willingness to pay (WTP), and price sensitivity remains scantly researched. Applying a neural gas algorithm to segment the travel motives of 714 visitors to Langenfeld, Austria, reveals the existence of three motivation clusters that are different in terms of the minimum, maximum and fair prices that travellers are willing to pay. Also, based on four self-assembled holiday packages offered as part of a collaborative destination marketing effort by different providers in Langenfeld, we demonstrate that visitors are willing to pay different prices for the selected packages and this has an influence on profitability of the destination. Implications for destination marketing and pricing strategies are offered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contamination of key staples with aflatoxins compromises the quality of food and feed, impedes trade, and negatively affects the health of consumers whereas acute exposure can be fatal. This study used the Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) on a sample of 480 farmers in counties prone to aflatoxin contamination to assess the willingness to pay (WTP) by farmers for Aflasafe KE01, a promising biological control product for the management of aflatoxin contamination of key staples in Kenya, compare its cost with that of a similar product in use in Nigeria, and determine factors likely to affect its adoption. Four hundred and eighty households from four counties identified as aflatoxin hotspots in Kenya were purposively selected and interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. The mean WTP per kilogram of Aflasafe KE01, using Contingent Valuation Method in the four counties ranged from Kenya Shillings (Ksh) 113 to 152/kg compared to a cost of Ksh. 130/kg, the price of a similar product, AflasafeTM, in Nigeria. Factors that positively influenced farmers' WTP included information from crop extension services and access to credit. To facilitate the adoption of Aflasafe KE01 or any other biocontrol product in Kenya and elsewhere, there is a need for increased education efforts through extension services to farmers about aflatoxins. Strategies to ensure that the biocontrol product is integrated into the credit scheme of the technological packages to farmers need to be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The island of Santay, located in front of the city of Guayaquil, Ecuador, is a RAMSAR wetland of international relevance, in which the number of visitors has decreased due to its lack of maintenance. The objectives of this work are to find the willingness to pay (WTP) by visitors to this wetland and to evaluate the possibility of entertaining activities for ecohedonic families. For this, it is necessary to analyze the profile of the current visitor who arrives at the island of Santay and identify the variables that condition the WTP of the visitor with a predilection for these tourism destinations, but with better conservation. The research method has a positivist approach (quantitative), descriptive and bibliographic method. Data collection used the document analysis technique and checklists. The profile of the current visitor and the variables that determine the WTP are analyzed. The echohedonic segment is the most representative. However, 49% are not willing to pay for the little varied offer and its price. Likewise, the case studies of segmentation and motivations in ecotourism are analyzed by reviewing the scientific literature. The results are the basis for tourism actors considering joining the eco-hedonic-social segment with travel packages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the willingness to pay (WTP) for cultural ecosystem services from grasslands using a meta‐analysis based on 32 eligible research papers that provide in total 79 estimates. The average WTP (corrected for purchasing power) across these studies is 38 Euros per person per year. Yet, our analysis reveals that the transfer of these results needs careful evaluation. More specifically, it is essential to frame the monetary valuation exercise in relation to the direction of grassland change. A switch from cropland to grassland reduces WTP by 90 Euros while an increase in less‐intensive land‐use in mountain regions raises WTP by 53 Euros. We conclude that for an adequate consideration of grasslands in holistic ecosystem services assessments, the direction of grassland change is important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In times of rising organic food popularity, both producers and retailers are faced with the question of how to appropriately price their products. In this paper, we discuss the drivers that influence consumer willingness to pay (WTP) for organic food based on a systematic review of the literature in this field over the past two decades (1999–2019). Based on the identified sources, we cluster these WTP drivers into three categories: consumer-related, product-related, and purchasing venue-related factors. Additionally, we review and discuss the methodologies employed in eliciting WTP for organic food. Finally, we attempt to outline potential areas for future research as well as managerial implications. • Willingness to pay (WTP) for organic food is often driven by environmental concern, health awareness, quality, and locality. • There is conflicting evidence in the literature whether or not socio-demographics significantly influence organic food WTP. • There is a substantial variety in methods to elicit WTP for organic food, with auction-based methods gaining popularity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prior to developing addition programs in a convention a convention organizer wants to identify attendees' willingness to participate in the program. One of the most important factors which lead to their participation is price. Therefore, this study aimed to explore factors which can determine convention participants' willingness to pay for additional programs. According to the results of binary logistic regression analysis, attendees who wanted to expand their knowledge and socialization showed a willingness to pay for extra programs for post-conference local tours. Based on investigating the significance level (p <.001) women showed a higher intention to pay for the extra programs than men did. Those who had their own company had a higher intention to pay for the 1:1 private golf lesson with a former LPGA star than did those who were working for a private company or others. Results of this study help development of additional programs in a convention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China is among the countries facing the most serious pollution effects of e-waste. Many studies have focused on e-waste recycling laws and regulations, recycling technologies, and the pollution situation in China. However, there is a lack of case studies from the perspective of the residents' attitudes and opinions about e-waste recycling. Based on 474 families surveyed by questionnaire, this study, taking Zhuhai City as one example, investigated residents' behaviors and attitudes toward e-waste disposal, and their willingness to pay (WTP) for e-waste recycling. A majority (76.4%) of respondents realized that the improper treatment of e-waste would cause serious threats to the environment and human health. Only 38.2% of respondents were willing to pay for e-waste recycling. Most respondents believed that the fee should be borne by government and manufacturers. These results imply that income level and satisfaction with management will promote WTP significantly, whereas the recovery price is a negative influence on the respondents' WTP. The WTP values were positively correlated with environmental awareness and income at 5% and 10%, respectively. Finally, the estimated average monthly WTP value per household in Zhuhai City is 10.2 RMB ($1.6). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Healthcare costs and poverty are significant barriers to achieving universal access to healthcare. Thus, Community-Based Health Insurance Schemes (CBHIS) are regarded as an influential instrument for providing access to healthcare. For this purpose, this study was carried out in order to assess the community's Willingness to Pay (WTP) for CBHIS and its determinants among the residents of Lahore City. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was adopted during the period of May 2018 to August 2018 to conduct a standardized questionnaire survey among targeted population of Lahore. A total of 250 households from lower, middle and upper-middle-class areas were approached randomly from which 200 participated in the survey, rendering a response rate of 90.9%. Sample size was determined by using single population proportion formula assuming 5% margin of error and 95% Confidence Interval (CI). Moreover, multiple regression analysis, Pearson's correlation and t-test were employed to determine relationships between different variables affecting WTP. RESULTS: Sixty-four percent of the respondents were willing to pay for CBHIS. Among the remaining thirty-six% of unwilling the community, income level (p< 0.05, CI=0.34 to 1.11) and education level (p< 0.05, CI=0.52-1.37) were significant predictors of WTP. Moreover, strong positive relation (p<0.05) between people's awareness and WTP for CBHIS was witnessed. The findings further suggested that the larger population of the willing community was not willing to pay more than 5000 Rs annually. CONCLUSION: Henceawareness level of the community regarding the benefits of CBHIS is a major hindrance. The key policy priority is to increase the community's awareness regarding the benefits of CBHIS and to increase willingness to pay rate among public. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global coffee production experiences detrimental impacts of climate change. Weather index insurance (WII) offers an opportunity for coffee farmers to mitigate the climate risks in production and motivate them to adopt sustainable farming practices. This study explores Vietnamese farmers' willingness to participate and pay for WII schemes for coffee. A contingent valuation survey was employed on a sample of 151 farmers from the two largest coffee production areas: Lam Dong and Dak Lak provinces. The findings revealed that farmers are willing to pay, on average, US$92.30 per policy for a premium on insurance products. We also found that farmers in Lam Dong are willing to pay more than those in Dak Lak despite fewer Lam Dong farmers being willing to participate in the insurance schemes. The majority of farmers prefer drought to be insured within 3 months of coffee blossom, from February to April. Factors influencing farmers' decision to join the insurance schemes include education, farm size, climate change perception and experiences, and insurance knowledge. The study suggests that the current coffee industry co-contribution to insurance premiums could potentially be reduced by up to 90 %. However, caution must be taken when adjusting co-contribution, as farmers' willingness to pay is heterogeneous. In addition, raising awareness of the impact of climate change on crop production and insurance knowledge training is critical to ensure an increased number of participants in the schemes. The recommendations from this study will contribute to improving the design of coffee insurance products that are tailored to local needs and preferences and will assist in upscaling the products' outreach in the Coffee Climate Protection Insurance Program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mud crab (Scylla serrata) is an economically important species found in the mangroves and estuaries of tropical countries and is a popular seafood product in the coastal areas of Southeast Asian markets. The aim of this study is to identify factors affecting consumer preference of mud crabs, and to understand consumers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for these factors in a Singapore market where imported mud crabs from other Asian countries are sold. The results showed that the country of origin matters to participants, affecting purchasing decisions, and consumers were willing to pay approximately 16.48 SGD (11.49 USD, the average price of four shops: 35.55 USD/kg for one mud crab) more if the mud crabs were from Sri Lanka if compared with Indonesian or Cambodian mud crabs. Moreover, consumers were willing to pay 25.08 SGD (17.48 USD) more if the mud crabs were alive and 13.40 SGD (9.34 USD) less if the mud crabs were frozen compared with fresh, but not alive, mud crabs. Furthermore, consumers’ preference in mud crab was associated with the consumers’ religion. Some groups of consumers preferred female mud crabs with eggs over male mud crabs, while other groups preferred male crabs. The results identified diverse consumer preference of mud crabs and, therefore, could provide new insights that are useful for sustainable consumption of mud crabs in the region.

Opuntia ficus indica is a source of vitamins and minerals, and recently, it has been used as ingredient to make a new functional pasta. Italy produces the highest amount of pasta in the world and it is also the second-highest producer of opuntia globally. This study sought to identify the consumer willingness to pay for pasta featuring Opuntia ficus indica and to understand what factors influence their choice. This study is the first in food research to analyze consumers’ willingness to pay for a new functional pasta featuring Opuntia ficus indica. Data were collected by using a web-based survey; the sample was composed of 342 consumers and an ordered logistic regression model was applied. The findings showed that the educational and higher income levels of respondents play important roles in the willingness to pay for functional pasta. Moreover, the healthy and nutritional features of functional pasta together with the respondents’ willingness to eat it, their curiosity towards this new food and their need to get more information about functional pasta should improve consumers’ willingness to pay for it. The findings should be useful for firms to draw marketing strategies considering the positive consumers’ attitude toward the use of Opuntia ficus indica in pasta production.

Organic vegetable products tend to have higher prices compare to non organic, therefore most consumers think organic vegetable products are expensive products. This research aims to determine consumers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for organic vegetable product and influencing factors towards WTP. This research was conducted in 6 modern market in South Jakarta by interviewing 100 consumers who were selected using quota sampling technique. Data were analyzed using contingent valuation method (CVM) to determine the average value of consumers’ WTP and logistic regression employed to determine the factors that influence WTP. The results showed that 82% consumers are willing to pay higher prices to buy organic vegetables products, with additional range between 8.5% to 15% from the real price. Factors that significantly influenced consumers’ willingness to pay were education level, monthly income and product quality.

Rapid urbanization and severe air quality deterioration in Pakistan have increased citizens’s concern towards air pollution. This study, conducted in November, 2016, aimed to develop relationship between degraded air quality and resident’s willingness to pay for improved air quality in city of Lahore, Pakistan through contingent valuation method to quantify an individual’s willingness to pay for improved air quality. Hypothetical market was created and 250 respondents, selected through random sampling, were asked to respond to pre tested questionnaire. Results revealed that 92.5% of respondents showed positive willingness to pay and average predicted willingness to pay by each person was $9.86 per month. Respondents were willing to pay $118 per year which was 1.27% of their mean monthly income. Stepwise regression model was used to develop relationship between independent variables and willingness to pay. Most parameters accompanied by econometric analysis elaborated expected results. Results disclosed that annual household income, symptoms of respiratory diseases and self observed air pollution pointedly impact willingness to pay. It is concluded that despite of the fact that Pakistan is among the lower income countries with no rigid budget allocation for improvement in air quality, people of Pakistan are willing to pay to reduce air pollution load. One of the factor which effected the positivity of willingness to pay is that, a quite large number of people were suffering from pollution related respiratory disorders like asthma, chronic bronchitis, wheezing, cough, and chest congestion. Only 7.5% of respondents were not interested to pay for improved air quality which reported unconcerned attitude and lack of environmental awareness.

Growing concerns for the incidence of incurable diseases and high costs of health care have attracted consumers to functional foods in the world. These foods are characterized with health improvement, lower risk of disease incidence and less health hazards. The present work examined consumers’ attitude and willingness to pay for dietary sugar in Rasht city, Iran. The studied sample included 125 citizens of Rasht in spring and summer of 2016 whose size was determined by Mitchell and Carson approach. Results of contingent valuation method on the basis of one-and-one-half-bound choice model revealed that the descriptive variable of bid had negative, statistically significant impact on the acceptance of bid by participants. In addition, the descriptive variables of respondent’s age, educational level, family size, monthly income of the family, record of diabetes in family, healthy purchase attitude, and attitude towards the benefits of dietary sugar had positive, significant influence on bid acceptance. Participants expressed their willingness to pay 35.59% extra for dietary sugar as compared to conventional sugar.

We studied the value of a nuclear power plant by considering Koreans' willingness to pay (WTP) for neutralizing the various problems caused by building and operating a new plant. For this, we used a conjoint analysis and ordered logistic regression. We then compared the WTP estimates between various segment groups. The results revealed that each household was willing to pay an additional 99,677 Korean Won (KRW)/mo on average to resolve the negative impacts from a nuclear plant. Therefore, the yearly cognitive and economic value of a nuclear plant in Korea was about 19 trillion KRW. Through a segment analysis, we found that the more educated, younger, and poorer groups gave higher cognitive values than the less educated, older, and richer groups, respectively. Also, people who lived far from a plant gave higher values than people living near a plant, and people with more knowledge about or interest in nuclear energy gave higher values than people with less knowledge or interest. People who felt that nuclear energy is necessary gave higher values to nuclear energy than those who did not. Our results can be used as bases to set targets for promoting nuclear energy and pursuing a national project of building a nuclear power plant.

Despite self-replenishing nature and lack of negative external effects of new energies, the energies entail higher costs than the conventional energy resources. The governments cannot afford these extra costs, and it needs to take part the public. This study examines extent of public participation in the funding of these costs. The study employed the double-bounded dichotomous choice (DBDC) contingent valuation (CV) method. We release 400 questionnaires under five corresponding prices. Two cost-related questions were asked from each participant (once twice the original price, and once half of that). The interviewees determined the extra cost they would incur, taking into account seven factors, namely: regional economy, demand for electricity, environmental considerations, diplomatic relations, safety, ethics, and the economy. The results suggest a willingness-to-pay of 46360 Rials (≈1.2USD) per month. The findings also indicate that the items including willingness to new energies, importance of environment and influence of the energies have the highest effect on the willingness of payment.

The paper investigates Italian consumers’ behavior towards characteristics of extra virgin olive oil, in particular organic production methods and geographical origin. On the basis of the existing literature, the concepts of sustainability of food systems, diets, and the olive oil supply chain are analyzed. A choice experiment (CE), using a face-to-face questionnaire with over 1000 participants, was conducted to quantify the willingness to pay (WTP) for these two attributes. Findings show positive preference for origin attributes, while the organic attribute is not highly valued. The article also offers some perspectives on future research to improve the competitiveness and sustainability of the Italian olive oil supply chain.

In light of the increased importance of sustainability issues in the world economy, this study calculates the economic value of the swampy wetlands in Ghana’s Northern and Ashanti region, based on rice farmers’ and community members’ willingness to pay (WTP) for the sustainable use of the wetlands. It also examines the factors influencing this WTP. Data from 160 rice farmers and community members in four districts were collected via a questionnaire survey. A logistic regression model was employed to determine the significance of the influencing factors, while the respondents’ WTP was estimated by the contingent valuation method. The results revealed that 89.4% of the respondents were willing to contribute about 54.90–213.11 USD/household/ha/year and an aggregated 0.298–1.158 million USD/year to ensure swampy wetland sustainability. On an average, they were willing to pay 180.17 USD/household/ha/year and an aggregated 0.979 million USD/year. Gender, household size, household disposable income, and knowledge of the importance of wetlands were found to be the determinants of WTP. We recommend that farmers and the public be educated on wetland ecosystems and family planning. In addition, reducing household size and providing rice farmers with adequate irrigation and postharvest facilities are worthwhile conservation measures.

This study investigated whether endorsement of personal values is associated with willingness to pay more for mobile phones with an environmental or social sustainability label. Participants were students in Sweden, Norway and Germany. A self-report inventory was used to measure willingness to pay and the importance attached to values of Schwartz's circular model. In Sweden and Norway, participants were willing to pay, on average, 18% extra for a mobile phone with labels for environmental or social sustainability. In Germany, the corresponding share was 12%. To strive for self-enhancement values, that is, social status and prestige, as well as control and dominance over people and resources, was associated with a lower willingness to pay for mobile phones with labels for environmental or social sustainability in all three countries. Furthermore, women were willing to pay more than men for mobile phones with both kinds of sustainability labels. In Sweden and Norway, participants were, on average, willing to pay more for a mobile phone with a label for social sustainability compared to a mobile phone with a label for environmental sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bicycle is one of the most affordable and flexible means of transportation in a developing country such as India. Despite being an important mode of transportation, a sharp decline in bicycle mode share has been observed in small and medium-sized Indian cities where trip lengths are favorable for bicycling. This decline could be attributed to inadequate bicycle infrastructure which should be improved not only to preserve the existing bicycle base, but also to attract new bicycle users. For such an improvement, it is essential to identify and evaluate key attributes that users value to select a bicycle route. In this study users' preferences for bicycle infrastructure were collected with the help of stated preference survey in two Indian cities, Kharagpur and Asansol, and were used to estimate the choice preferences of both commuter and non-commuter bicyclists. In total, five different attributes were found to influence bicycle route choice, namely, road width, level of risk, route visibility, journey time and operating cost. With the collected data, random parameter logit (RPL) models were developed with and without considering heterogeneity around the means of the attributes. Based on the results of these RPL model coefficients and willingness to pay (WTP) values, the five attributes were estimated to quantify the perceived benefits associated with each attribute. Results indicate that the level of risk (a measure of perceived risk associated with motorized vehicles) is considered the most significant deterrent influencing bicyclist's route choice decisions in both cities referred to above, followed by route visibility, road width and bicycle journey time. For almost all attributes, the WTP's for non-commuters are found significantly higher than those for commuters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To examine willingness to use (WTU) and willingness to pay (WTP) for smoking cessation service via text-messaging among adult smokers in Vietnam in 2017; and to identify demographic and socioeconomic factors associated with the WTU and WTP.Methods: A cross-sectional study of 602 adult smokers who had intention to quit in the next 12 months was conducted in Vietnam in 2017. Participants were provided with the information about a mobile health (mHealth) smoking cessation service via text-messaging and asked about their willingness to use and pay for it. The contigent valuation method was used to estimate the WTP for the service, using single bound question format. Discrete choice model was applied to estimate the average WTP and its associated factors.Results: Seventy-two percent of smokers expressed willingness to use smoking cessation service via text-messaging if it were available. The average willingness to pay among those interested in using the mHealth cessation service was 82,000 VND (US$3.5). Smoking status and quit attempts in the last twelve months were associated with WTU, whereas age of the smokers and monthly income were significant predictors of WTP.Conclusion: A high proportion of Vietnamese smokers with intention to quit were interested in using smoking cessation services via text-messaging. The high level of smokers' willingness to use and pay for the text messaging cessation program indicates the mHealth methods could be a potential option for developing and delivering smoking cessation services in Vietnam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Labor‐saving and income‐increasing technologies may affect women farmers differently from men. However, very few studies explicitly account for women's preferences for new technologies. We carried out a discrete choice experiment with 337 female and 329 male farmers in Maharashtra, India, to measure their willingness to pay (WTP) for direct‐seeded rice (DSR) with drum seeder and to understand the gender differences in marginal valuations of key attributes. We used the Women's Empowerment in Agriculture Index (WEAI) to collect self‐reported data on the role and say of women in different domains of decision making. The respective gender roles of women and men in the family and on the farm are aligned with their preferences. Men have a greater say over how the family spends the cash. Accordingly, men tend to have a higher WTP for attributes that increase income (increase in yield) or reduce cash costs (reduction in seed rate). Women contribute a large share of the labor for transplanting rice, much of which is unpaid work on family farms. Women, therefore, seem to value labor saving more. Women in our sample were more interested in the new technology and had a higher WTP for it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Since patients are essential partners in determining priorities and resource allocation in the healthcare system, considerable efforts have been made to shift the focus of pharmacy profession from drug dispensing to patient-oriented care. Accordingly, the assessment of patient-oriented care has become a prominent method to evaluate the quality of the healthcare services delivered and willingness to pay (WTP) to receive them.Objective(s): To determine patients' attitude towards pharmaceutical care services among general population in Jordan and their WTP for this service.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a teaching hospital in Jordan over a period of six months. A contingent valuation method was used, with closed-ended questions to elicit participants' attitudes and WTP for pharmaceutical care services.Results: A total of 223 participants were interviewed. Most of the participants showed a positive attitude towards pharmaceutical care services, with an average attitude score of 0.82 (±0.19). Almost 96.0% of participants believed that pharmacists must be committed to more counseling roles than dispensary activities. The majority of participants (194, 87.0%) expressed their interest in pharmacists checking their medications at least once per month. Most of the participants (212, (95.1%) believed that the pharmacist should be reimbursed for providing a pharmaceutical care service that would potentially reduce medication-related problems (MRPs) by 50%. Of these, 208 (93.3%) participants were willing to pay out of their pockets an average maximum amount of $3.95 (±4.23) for the pharmaceutical care services they may receive to reduce 50% of the risk of MRPs.Conclusions: This study revealed that Jordanian people have a supportive attitude regarding pharmacists' abilities in providing pharmaceutical care services in addition to dispensing. Majority of participants in this study were willing to pay for pharmaceutical care services that would reduce the risk of MRPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]