Acceptability of and Willingness to Pay for Micronutrient Powder in Somaliland
Adam Haibeh
UNFPA, Hargeisa, Somalia.
Megan Kays
Population Services International, Hargeisa, Somalia.
Aden Qodax
Population Services International, Hargeisa, Somalia.
Abel Irena *
Population Services International, Hargeisa, Somalia.
Manuela Tolmino
Population Services International, Hargeisa, Somalia.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Objectives: Under five nutritional deficiencies in Somaliland constitute a major health concern. In response, Population Services International (PSI) undertook a study to examine practices related to acceptability of and willingness to pay for (WTP) MNP.
Methods: 72 female caregivers from different socioeconomic groups trialed MNP. Focus group discussions on MNP were conducted with the trialists, a control group of 120 female caregivers, and 30 men. WTP exercises, using both the price sensitivity meter (PSM) and Becker-DeGroot-Marschak (BDM) methods were conducted with women.
Results: 95.7% of the MNP trialists used the product; 61.2% would use MNP in the future. 64.2% would prefer to purchase in pharmacies and 28.4% in clinics. Although the PSM exercise indicated a high WTP (4,596 Somaliland Shillings), the BDM exercise resulted in a lower value (2,773 SS). 45.7% bid above the estimated cost (2,958 SS ) and the average bid 93.7% of the estimated cost.
Conclusions: MNP would, therefore, be a suitable product for Somaliland; it is relevant to nutrition needs and caregivers show WTP close to the product's cost recovery price, necessitating minimal subsidies.