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A multi‐country study on consumers' valuation for child‐labor‐free chocolate: Implications for child labor in cocoa production

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Listed:
  • Jeff Luckstead
  • Heather A. Snell
  • Lawton Lanier Nalley
  • Rodolfo M. Nayga
  • Joshua Sarpaning

Abstract

Child labor is a preeminent issue of our time. Using a discrete choice experiment, we surveyed consumers in Belgium, France, the United Kingdom, and the United States to assess their willingness to pay (WTP) for chocolate labeled as “child‐labor‐free” based on two levels of child labor and two information sets (short and long). Our results indicate that when respondents are shown a definition clarifying the meaning of the child‐labor‐free logo, their WTP in all countries exceeds the 2.81% price premium farmers need to eliminate hazardous forms of child labor. Important implications for child labor in cocoa production are discussed. JEL CLASSIFICATION C25, J28, J43, J80, Q18

Suggested Citation

  • Jeff Luckstead & Heather A. Snell & Lawton Lanier Nalley & Rodolfo M. Nayga & Joshua Sarpaning, 2022. "A multi‐country study on consumers' valuation for child‐labor‐free chocolate: Implications for child labor in cocoa production," Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 44(2), pages 1021-1048, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:apecpp:v:44:y:2022:i:2:p:1021-1048
    DOI: 10.1002/aepp.13165
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • C25 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Discrete Regression and Qualitative Choice Models; Discrete Regressors; Proportions; Probabilities
    • J28 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Safety; Job Satisfaction; Related Public Policy
    • J43 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Particular Labor Markets - - - Agricultural Labor Markets
    • J80 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor Standards - - - General
    • Q18 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Agriculture - - - Agricultural Policy; Food Policy; Animal Welfare Policy

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