Pricing Rice Quality Attributes and Returns to Quality Upgrading in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract The study applies parametric and nonparametric estimation methods to determine hedonic prices of rice quality attributes, a partial equilibrium model the payoff investing in improvement five countries Sub-Saharan Africa. Results indicate that consumers are willing pay price premiums for head rice, slender grains, peak viscosity, parboiled sold urban markets. However, they strongly discount amylose content, with impurities imported rice. Investing through content reduction leads net welfare gains benefit-cost ratio 47.86 internal rate return 90%.