Profitability and constraints to mini-livestock production in Urban Nigeria: Evidence from Snail Farming in Ibadan Metropolis

Abstract

Mini-livestock can undoubtedly be raised and managed in small areas. They therefore become an important venture for meeting the increasing protein need of the urban populace like Ibadan. Hence, we analyzed the constraints to and profitability of Snail farming in Ibadan Metropolis. 120 snail farmers were randomly selected and interviewed. Specifically, we analyzed the profitability of snail production; identified the determinants of snail profitability and examined the constraints to snail farming in the study area. Snail farming is profitable in the study area with a return of ₦2.5 on every ₦1 invested. The farm size and income from other occupation were found to positively affect the profitability of snail farming. On the other hand, cost of breeding stock and labour cost were found to negatively affect the profitability of snail farming. The major constraints to snail farming in the study area in order of severity are: pest and disease attack, low patronage and inadequate access to credit for business expansion. The study was constrained by the limited number of registered snail farmers living and farming within Ibadan metropolis. The result provides the much-needed information on the factors that affect profitability of snail farming.

Keywords

• snails, veterinary service, urban, credit, nigeria