Characteristics of snail farmers and constraints to increased production in West and Central Africa
Date
2010
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Academic Journals
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 wouldbe
snail farmers is suggested to increase snail supply in markets.
Description
item.page.type
Journal Article (peer-reviewed)
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Keywords
ARCHACHATINA SPP, NON-CONVENTIONAL LIVESTOCK, CLIMATE CHANGE, AFRICA, RURAL ECONOMY, AGRICULTURAL ECONOMY, SMALL FARMERS, WEST AFRICA, CENTRAL AFRICA, SNAILS, CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS, CAMEROON, GHANA