Backyard eggs: an income opportunity window in communities in Texcoco, Mexico

Abstract

Backyard egg production provides food and extra income to rural families. The resulting eggs are produced under conditions analogous to organic eggs, suggesting the possibility of a price premium for backyard eggs. The contingent valuation method was applied in a willingness-to-pay study of backyard eggs in four locations in the State of Mexico, Mexico. Results of a survey of 126 heads-of-household was analyzed using a binomial logit model. Most (70 %) interviewees were willing to pay a premium of 25 % for backyard eggs over the price for commercial eggs. The most significant variables were health awareness, fruit and vegetable consumption, monthly income and age. In the study area, backyard eggs could be sold at a premium price, potentially providing greater income to the rural families producing them.