Snail Farming as an Alternative Profitable Livestock System for Sustainable Development

Abstract

AbstractThe current population dynamics is projected to increase yearly, and expected to challenge the Sustainable Development Goals, especially in relation to food and nutrition security. While the demand for agricultural food products is increasing, the availability of cultivable land is either stable or decreasing due to various environmental factors such as drought, floods and climate change effects. Considering that sustainability can only be achieved when a system is resource conserving, socio-culturally supportive, commercially competitive, and environmentally friendly, urban and peri-urban snail (Achatina fulica or Archachatina marginata) farming systems could represent viable sources of essential dietary nutrients and income for many families in Africa. Snail farming is profitable, with minimal capital and land demands, and limited risks. Snails are handpicked in the forest and easily farmed in gardens, backyards, basins, or cages. They are omnivores and environmentally friendly without odorous wastes (unlike pigs and poultry). Snails have high protein content, low in fat and cholesterol, and they are cheaper than other meat products. In addition, their by-products are inputs for other industries such as cosmetics and medicines. However, the current rate of snail farming in Cameroon barely satisfies 25% of the national demand. Hence, this study aims to encourage snail farming by evaluating the profitability of snail business as a valuable urban and peri-urban livestock alternative for sustainable development in Cameroon. Data were collected between March–May 2018 with the use of questionnaires administered to 60 urban and peri-urban snail farming households in the Buea Municipality, South West Region of Cameroon. Farm budgeting analysis enabled investigations of performance from farmers while semi-log functions enabled the evaluation of factors affecting the level of snail production in the study area. The descriptive statistics and gross margin results from farm budgeting and profit revealed a total production costs of only US$0.4 per kg, which produced fivefold return on investment and a profit of US$2 per kg of snail sold. Considering the environmental friendliness, profitability of snail business, and health value of snails in relation to food and nutrition security, urban and peri-urban snail farming is highly recommended within the scope of sustainable development in Cameroon.KeywordsUrban and Peri-urbanFarming systemsSnailsSustainabilityCameroon