The objective of this paper was to estimate the farmers' preferences based on the non-market traits in selection, breeding and conservation of indigenous chicken. The study was carried out in four selected counties of Kenya. Data were collected using structured questionnaires with the use of multi-attribute elicitation techniques applied to 450 rural households. Conjoint analysis through an ordered probit model was used to analyse the data. The study identified traits preferred by the farmers based on their current low-input production circumstances. Using these traits, indigenous chicken can be selected for higher productivity and performance while retaining their diversity and adaptability. In general, the determination of the importance of various attributes elucidates to the stakeholders some valuable aspects that would assist them in overcoming some of the major constraints of indigenous chicken production in rural areas and at the same time provides vital information for selection, conservation and development of breeding programmes.

El autor describe la situación actual de los camélidos en América del Sur, aportando información sobre la geografia, distribución y número de las tres especies existentes: llama, alpaca y vicuña. Vienen presentados igualmente datos estadísticos importantes sobre las razas y sus sistemas de producción. Algunas indicaciones también sobre la escasa, pero cierta, erosión genética como consecuencia de las transformaciones ambientales y de gestión, asi como del cambio registrado en la demanda de productos.