Snail farming in Nigeria has emerged as a lucrative venture, with one in fifty Nigerians engaged in this agribusiness. While the traditional method of handpicking snails during the rainy season prevails, the dry season poses challenges, creating a demand-supply gap. Aspiring snail farmers have a unique opportunity to bridge this gap and capitalize on the market demand.
Research data suggests that one in fifty Nigerians engages in snail farming, a unique agricultural pursuit. Unlike conventional practices, a significant portion of snail farming in Nigeria involves the age-old tradition of handpicking snails from bushes or forests during the rainy season. However, this method creates scarcity during the dry season when unfavourable weather conditions drive snails into hiding.
In this dry season, the market’s snail supply relies heavily on the smaller percentage of snail farmers with dedicated farms. This scarcity creates a substantial gap between demand and supply, offering aspiring snail farmers an opportunity to bridge this divide and turn a profit.
How to Get Started with Snail Farming in Nigeria.
Setting up a snail farm does not require a large investment, and the ongoing costs are moderate.
Consider the following when getting started with snail farming.
The reality in any business or enterprise is that without proper planning (crossing the T’s and dotting the I’s), a person may encounter many issues.
Of course, challenges will arise regardless of your experience in the field, but they will be manageable if you anticipate them ahead of time.
• Understand what snail farming is.
• The economics of snail rearing
• Learn about different snail breeds.
• Take feeding into consideration
• Consider housing and shelter.
• Know the soil type.
• Prevent pests and disease.
• Plan for reproduction.
• Harvest your snails.
• Building the snail farm.
What is Snail Farming?
Snail farming is known as heliculture. Heliculture refers to the process of raising snails for consumption.
Each snail has female and male reproductive organs that produce fertile eggs. Therefore, it is safe to say that snails are Hermaphrodites.
Snails provide important nutrients such as calcium, phosphorus, iron, and protein. Additionally, snails are low in cholesterol, sodium, and fats.
Snail farming is a low-cost agribusiness that is considered sustainable in Nigeria. You only need a small investment for a small start-up to profit from your snail farm. However, to achieve higher returns from the business, you should be prepared to increase your investment on a larger scale.
How To Get Started With Snail Farming In Nigeria
Setting up a snail farm is a feasible venture with moderate capital requirements. Proper planning is crucial to navigate the challenges inherent in snail farming. Here are essential steps to get started:
1. Know What Snail Farming Is
Snail farming, also known as heliculture, involves raising snails for consumption. Snails, being hermaphrodites, have both male and female reproductive organs, making them prolific breeders. They are rich in calcium, phosphorus, iron, and protein, offering a nutritious food source.
2. Economics Of Snail Rearing
Snail farming is an economically viable agribusiness in Nigeria. Smallholder farmers can start and gradually expand with a modest initial investment for higher returns. Snails’ export value, cost-effective feeds, and part-time management make it a lucrative venture.
3. Understand Snail Breeds
Nigeria hosts various snail species, with the African land giant snail (Achatina achatina) being the most popular due to its economic size. Knowing the characteristics of different breeds is crucial for successful farming.
4. Take Feeding Into Account
Feeding snails involves a balanced diet of plantain, pumpkin, potato, lettuce, and other green leaves. Essential additions like limestone and eggshells ensure proper calcium intake for shell development.
5. Consider Housing And Shelter
Snails require comfortable housing for optimal growth. Depending on the scale of your farm, use nets, wooden boxes, or wire gauze structures. Proper sorting of snails by age and regulating temperature are essential for their well-being.
6. Know The Soil Type
Sandy-loamy soil is ideal for snail farming, providing a suitable habitat and allowing for proper egg-laying and water absorption.
7. Prevent Pests And Diseases
Common predators include turkeys, chickens, and ants. Vigilance against overcrowding and regular monitoring can prevent bacterial and fungal infections.
8. Plan For Reproduction
Snails become sexually mature between 8 to 12 months. Providing suitable conditions for egg laying and separating young snails for growth are critical steps in reproduction.
9. Harvest Your Snails
Harvest mature snails after approximately two years by inspecting the hardness and thickness of their shells. Reserve some for future breeding to ensure a sustainable business model.
10. Building The Snail Farm
Constructing a snail pen precedes acquiring snails. Before building, examine the health and maturity of snails and ensure an adequate quantity relative to your farm size. Materials like water, fruits, vegetables, leafy greens, a shovel, sandy-loamy soil, staple guns, wooden posts, and fencing material are essential for creating a suitable snail farm.
Conclusion
Venturing into snail farming in Nigeria requires diligence, knowledge, and a commitment to long-term success. By understanding the intricacies of breeding, feeding, and housing, aspiring farmers can contribute to closing the demand-supply gap and reap the economic benefits of this agribusiness.
The Economics of Snail Farming
Because snails are an export commodity, their value is particularly high in countries outside Nigeria. The climate in Nigeria is ideal for snail breeding.
Snail feed is inexpensive, and you can raise snails as a part-time job. As a result, snail farming can be a very profitable business. During the dry season, snail prices rise, resulting in more money for you.
FAQs About Snail Farming
What is the average maturity period for snails?
Snails take an average of two years to reach full maturity.
What breeds are popular in Nigeria for snail farming?
The African land giant snail (Achatina achatina) is the most popular due to its economic size.
How often do snails lay eggs?
Snails can lay eggs five to six times a year, with each clutch containing an average of 200 eggs.
What is the role of calcium in snail feeding?
Calcium is crucial for shell development, boosting snail shells’ growth rate and thickness.
How do you prevent pests in a snail farm?
Regular monitoring, proper housing, and attention to overcrowding can help prevent pest issues in a snail farm.
