PROFITABILITY OF SNAIL PRODUCTION IN OSUN STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

ABSTRACT The study determined the features and profitability of snail farming in Osun State. To achieve the study objectives, 20 snail farmers each were randomly selected from Osogbo, Iwo and Ife-Ijesa townships, where majority of snail farmers in the State were located. Data collected from the farmers were analysed using descriptive statistics, farm budgeting and regression analysis. Results of the study revealed that snail production was undertaken on a small scale with an average stock size of 650 per farmer. Only 45% of the farmers were in snail farming for earning income. The snails were housed in pens (36.7% of the farmers), baskets (35%), drums (18.3%) and used tyres (10%). The costs and returns analysis revealed that variable costs accounted for 96% of the production costs. Labour was the most costly single item in snail production in the area. The results further showed that snail farming was highly profitable, with the average farmer earning a net return of 40 naira per snail. There was a profit of 1.39 naira on every naira invested in snail production. The results of the regression analysis showed that stock size was the most important factor determining profitability of snail enterprises. Given the high returns to snail farming in the area, it was concluded that its popularisation, in addition to contributing to animal protein availability, has the potential for raising farm incomes. To fully realise this potential, attention was drawn to the need for more active research and extension aimed at generating and disseminating appropriate information on improved snail farming.