Characteristics of snail farmers and constraints to increased production in West and Central Africa

Authors

  • A. A. Ngenwi
  • J. M. Mafeni
  • K. A. Etchu
  • F. T. Oben

Keywords:

Archachatina spp,, non-conventional livestock, climate change,, Africa

Abstract

Snail gathering/rearing is an important source of livelihood for rural dwellers in the humid forest and derived
savanna zones of West and Central Africa. Recently, declining populations of Archachatina archachatina and
Archachatina marginata species is being observed, with climatic conditions and changes in land use implicated as
causal factors. However, these claims are still to be ascertained. A study was carried out to characterize snail
farmers, identify constraints to increased snail production and suggest strategies required to conserve edible snail
species and sustain livelihoods. Structured questionnaires and focus group discussions were used for data
collection in selected locations in Cameroon and Ghana. Descriptive statistics (means and percentages) was used
to summarize the data obtained. The results indicate that snail farmers are predominantly women with basic school
level of education. Between 42 and 62% of rural income is derived from sale of snails. Causes of declining snail
populations were attributed to habitat loss through deforestation, overexploitation, indiscriminate harvesting,
climate change - indicated by extremely high temperatures and low rainfall, high dependence on agricultural
chemicals (herbicides and pesticides) and lack of training on improved snail husbandry. A holistic approach to
biodiversity conservation and capacity building of current and would-be snail farmers is suggested to increase snail
supply in markets

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Published

2018-11-12