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

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dc.contributor.authorNgenwi, A.A.
dc.contributor.authorMafeni, J.M.
dc.contributor.authorEtchu, K.A.
dc.contributor.authorOben, F.T.
dc.date.accessioned2012-04-12T14:54:12Z
dc.date.available2012-04-12T14:54:12Z
dc.date.issued2010
dc.description.abstractSnail 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.en
dc.identifier.issn1991-637X
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/10625/48747
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherAcademic Journalsen
dc.relation.ispartofAfrican Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, v. 4, no. 5en
dc.subjectARCHACHATINA SPPen
dc.subjectNON-CONVENTIONAL LIVESTOCKen
dc.subjectCLIMATE CHANGEen
dc.subjectAFRICAen
dc.subjectRURAL ECONOMYen
dc.subjectAGRICULTURAL ECONOMYen
dc.subjectSMALL FARMERSen
dc.subjectWEST AFRICAen
dc.subjectCENTRAL AFRICAen
dc.subjectSNAILSen
dc.subjectCLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTSen
dc.subjectCAMEROONen
dc.subjectGHANAen
dc.titleCharacteristics of snail farmers and constraints to increased production in West and Central Africaen
dc.typeJournal Article (peer-reviewed)en
idrc.copyright.holderAcademic Journals
idrc.dspace.accessOpen Accessen
idrc.project.number104391
idrc.project.titleAfrican Climate Change Fellowshipen
idrc.rims.adhocgroupIDRC SUPPORTEDen

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IDRC Research Results / Résultats de recherches du CRDI
2010-2019 / Années 2010-2019
Agriculture and Rural Livelihoods / Agriculture et moyens de subsistance en milieu rurale
Research Results (CCAA) / Résultats de recherches (ACCA)
West Africa / Afrique de l'Ouest