Economics of Snail Production

1.0 Introduction

1.1 Background of Study

Agriculture remains a crucial sector in Nigeria, serving as a source of livelihood for the majority of the population and contributing significantly to the nation's economy. Over the years, there has been a growing emphasis on diversifying agricultural practices to include non-conventional livestock, such as snail farming, to address issues of food security and rural poverty. Snail farming, also known as heliciculture, is recognized for its potential to improve the socio-economic conditions of farmers, particularly in regions with suitable ecological conditions (Adewumi & Omotayo, 2021).

Snails are a rich source of protein, essential amino acids, and minerals, making them a desirable food item in many cultures. Additionally, the low-cost nature of snail farming, combined with its minimal environmental impact, has made it an attractive venture for smallholder farmers. In Uhunmwode Local Government Area, the practice of snail farming is gradually gaining traction, driven by increasing market demand and the availability of natural resources conducive to snail production. According to Eze and Olayemi (2020), the favorable tropical climate and vegetation in regions like Uhunmwode provide an ideal environment for snail rearing, further enhancing the economic prospects of this agricultural enterprise (Eze and Olayemi, 2022). Despite its potential, the adoption of snail farming in Uhunmwode is not without challenges. Issues such as limited technical know-how, inadequate access to funding, and poor market structures have hindered the full realization of its economic benefits. These constraints underscore the need for targeted interventions to support snail farmers through capacity-building initiatives, financial assistance, and improved marketing strategies (Okoro & Uchenna, 2018).

In Uhunmwode, the practice of rearing snails domestically is a relatively recent development. Historically, snail farming was not a widespread economic activity, as most rural communities relied on subsistence farming and wild snail harvesting for personal consumption. However, with increasing urbanization and the growing demand for snails in urban markets, there has been a shift towards organized and commercial snail farming. This transition is largely attributed to awareness campaigns and training programs by agricultural extension services, which have highlighted the economic potential of snail farming (Adebayo & Adeola, 2020).

The local government area is endowed with favorable ecological conditions, including rich vegetation and humid weather, which make it particularly suitable for snail farming. Recognizing these advantages, many farmers in the region began to explore snail farming as an alternative source of income in the early 2000s. Government initiatives, such as the provision of grants and agricultural loans, further encouraged this trend. According to Eke and Ogbodo (2021), snail farming in Uhunmwode has grown steadily over the past two decades, with farmers increasingly adopting modern rearing techniques to boost productivity and profitability.

Snail production, a subset of micro-livestock farming, has gained prominence in recent years as an alternative source of protein and economic empowerment, particularly in developing countries like Nigeria. It offers a sustainable way to improve food security, generate income, and provide employment opportunities, especially in rural areas (Adetunji & Arowolo, 2020). In Uhunmwode Local Government Area, snail farming has emerged as a viable economic activity due to the region's favorable climate and vegetation. These factors provide a conducive environment for snail breeding and production. Moreover, the rising demand for snails in local and international markets has spurred interest in their commercial production, driven by their nutritional value and relatively low production costs (Ikechukwu et al., 2019).

Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the economics of snail production.

1.2 Statement of Problems

Investigation revealed that many snail farmers in the area rely on traditional methods of farming, which limits their productivity and the quality of the snails they produce. This knowledge gap prevents them from adopting more efficient and modern farming techniques, which are essential for scaling up production and maximizing profitability (Okoro & Ugwu, 2021). Although snail farming has the potential to generate substantial income, many farmers face difficulties in securing loans or grants to invest in the necessary infrastructure and equipment. Without proper funding, farmers are unable to expand their operations or implement necessary improvements, such as creating appropriate farming enclosures and providing adequate feed and healthcare for the snails (Eze & Olayemi, 2020).

In addition, Uhunmwode's snail farmers encounter challenges related to market access. While there is a growing demand for snails both locally and in urban markets, the lack of an organized marketing structure in the area often leads to inconsistent sales and fluctuating prices. Farmers often struggle to find reliable buyers or to transport their produce to markets where demand is higher (Adewumi & Omotayo, 2021).

Furthermore, environmental factors such as inconsistent rainfall and temperature fluctuations also impact snail production. While the area's climate is generally favorable for snail farming, unexpected weather conditions can disrupt breeding cycles and affect the overall health of the snails. These environmental challenges add another layer of complexity to the economics of snail production in the region, making it more difficult for farmers to maintain stable production levels (Ikechukwu et al., 2019). It is against the backdrop that this study seeks to address these problems by evaluating the economic viability of snail production in Uhunmwode Local Government Area.

1.3 Aim and Objectives of Study

The aim of the study is to assess the economic viability of snail production in Uhunmwode Local Government Area. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:

1. To examine the challenges faced by snail farmers and their impact on productivity.
2. To explore the socio-economic benefits of snail farming to farmers and the community.
3. To identify the factors influencing the production and marketing of snails in the region.
4. To evaluate the profitability of snail farming in the area under study.
5. To provide recommendations for improving the efficiency and sustainability of snail farming in the area.

1.4 Research Questions

The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:

• What challenges do snail farmers face, and how do these challenges affect their productivity?
• What are the socio-economic benefits of snail farming to farmers and the community?
• How profitable is snail farming in Uhunmwode Local Government Area?
• What factors influence the production and marketing of snails in the region?
• What strategies can be recommended to improve the efficiency and sustainability of snail farming in the area?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.

• H₀1: Snail farming is not a profitable economic venture in Uhunmwode Local Government Area.
• H₀2: Factors such as access to financial resources, technical knowledge, and market structure do not significantly influence the production and marketing of snails in Uhunmwode Local Government Area.
• H₀3: Challenges faced by snail farmers do not have significant impact on their productivity and profitability.
• H₀4: Snail farming contributes significantly to the socio-economic development of farmers and the community in Uhunmwode Local Government Area.

1.6 Significance of Study

The outcome of this research will assist agricultural stakeholders, including policymakers, extension workers, and non-governmental organizations, in developing strategies to overcome challenges faced by snail farmers.

The study will also contribute to academic literature by providing data on snail production economics in the area, serving as a reference for future research and studies on similar topics.

Lastly, it will benefit local farmers by recommending practical approaches to optimize their farming practices and increase their market opportunities, ultimately improving their socio-economic well-being.

1.7 Scope of Study

The scope of the research is focused on the economics of snail production in Uhunmwode Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria. It will examine the profitability, production practices, and marketing dynamics of snail farming within the area. The study will also identify the challenges faced by snail farmers and assess their impact on productivity and income generation.

1.8 Limitations of the Study

This study was limited by several factors that affected its scope and depth.

1. The research study was limited by farmers' reluctance to disclose detailed financial information about their snail farming operations, as some perceived such inquiries as invasive.
2. Environmental factors, such as seasonal variations in snail production, also posed a limitation, as the study was conducted over a specific timeframe and may not have captured year-round production trends.
3. Lastly, the research study was constrained by the lack of existing research on snail farming economics in the area, which limited comparative analysis and secondary data sources.

1.9 Definition of Terms

Economics: This refers to the study of how individuals, businesses, and societies allocate scarce resources to meet their needs and maximize benefits. In the context of snail production, it involves analyzing costs, revenues, and the overall profitability of farming snails as an economic activity (Samuelson & Nordhaus, 2020).

Snail Production: This is the process of breeding and raising snails for consumption or commercial purposes. It includes activities such as housing, feeding, breeding, and harvesting snails to ensure sustainable production (Adeyeye et al., 2019).

Profitability: Profitability refers to the ability of an enterprise to generate financial gain after covering all expenses. In snail farming, it evaluates whether the revenue from selling snails exceeds the cost of production (Eze & Olayemi, 2020).

Uhunmwode Local Government Area: A local government area in Edo State, Nigeria, known for its rich agricultural activities. The region's climatic and environmental conditions are suitable for various farming ventures, including snail farming (Edo State Ministry of Agriculture, 2022).