AKSU Journal of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development

PROFITABILITY OF SMALL SCALE SNAIL (Archachatina marginata) FARM ENTERPRISE IN ABIA STATE, NIGERIA

Author:  Amusa, T. A and Anugwo, S. C.

Abstract
The study investigated profitability of small scale snail farm enterprise in Abia State, Nigeria. Multi stage sampling technique was used to select 90 snail farmers across the three agricultural zones of the state. Data for the study were obtained through primary source using structured close-ended questionnaire. Data were analysed using frequency, percentages, means, gross margin and multiple regression analysis. The results of the showed that majority (42.2%) of the farmers used trench pens, 31.1% used fenced pens, 15.6% and 11.1% used drums and tyres respectively. In addition, the result showed that snail production was profitable with net profit of ₦101.87 per matured snail. Every naira invested in the business generated about ₦2.00. The coefficient of snail price positively and significantly influenced net return of snail farmers while costs of labour, feed and land rent significantly but negatively influenced net return of snail farmers. Prominent challenges facing snail farmers in the area include: inadequate financial capacity for business expansion, lack of access to supporting programmes such as cooperatives and education, weak knowledge of credit source by the farmers, pest and diseases infection, harsh weather condition among others. The study among others recommends that since snail farming is highly profitable, the teaming unemployed youths in the state should be empowered with necessary training and starter pack for engagement in snail farming to earn a living. Also, government should give snail farmers access to agricultural credit. This will help them for labour, feed and land that influence their profit.