ABSTRACT
The study was carried out to investigate the economics of small scale snail production and marketing entrepreneurs in Abia State, Nigeria. Multi-stage random sampling technique was employed in selecting 120 respondents (68 snail rearing and 52 snail marketing entrepreneurs). Data collected for the study were analysed using descriptive statistics, net returns and multiple regressions. Based on the data collected and analysed, the study found that the average ages of the snail rearing and marketing entrepreneurs were 44.3 years. A good population of 52.94% of snail rearing entrepreneurs were males while majority 94 .23% of snail marketers were females. The average years of snail farming and marketing experiences were 6.4 years and 9 years respectively. Greater proportion 97.06% of snail rearing entrepreneurs rely on hiring labour and 100.0% of the snail marketers rely on family labour. The four major channels of distributing snails in the study area included: (i) snail rearing entrepreneurs, consumers; (ii) snail rearing entrepreneurs, wholesalers, consumers; (iii) snail rearing entrepreneurs, retailers, consumers and (iv) snail rearing entrepreneurs, wholesalers, retailers, consumers. The result of this study on Gross Margin (GM) and profitability of snail rearing and marketing showed that the Total Revenue (TR) of the snail rearing entrepreneurs per production cycle was ₦158,698.50 and Gross Margin (GM) of ₦80,386.30. The Net Return (NR) was ₦76,713.10 and a Profitability Index (PI) of 0.48. On the other hand, the result of the Gross Marketing Margin of snail marketing entrepreneurs showed Total Revenue of ₦28,549.42, Gross marketing margin of ₦9,537.62, Net marketing margin of ₦8,932.20, Marketing Efficiency of 1.14, percentage (%) marketing efficiency of 114.27 and Benefit Cost Ratio of 1.46. The result of Ordinary Least Square (OLS) regression model presented showed double-log (Cob-Douglas) functional form had the best fit, based on the values of R2 (0.8904). Six (6) variable were statistically significant which included: education, experience, primary occupation, equipment cost, stock size and marketing cost. For socioeconomic determinants of performance of snail marketers, the linear functional form had the best fit, based on the values of R2 (0.7603). Four variables (education, primary occupation, cost of feed and purchase price) were significant and statistical determinants that influenced net marketing margin of snail marketers. Some of the identified problems of snail rearing and marketing entrepreneurs are: serious pest attack, frequent incidence of diseases, high mortality rate, lack of fund to expand business and high marketing cost and charges etc. The study among others recommended provision of adequate finance by financial institutions to increase farmers’ access to credits.
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
Title Page i
Declaration ii
Dedication iii
Certification iv
Acknowledgements v
Table of Contents vi
List of Tables vii
Abstract viii
CHAPTER
1: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study 1
1.2 Statement of the Problem 4
1.3 Research Questions 6
1.4 Objectives of the Study 7
1.5 Research Hypothesis 7
1.6 Justification of the Study 8
1.7 limitations
of the Study 8
CHAPTER
2: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Conceptual Framework 10
2.1.1 Overview of snail production in Nigeria 10
2.1.2 Climatic
requirements for snail production 10
2.1.3 System
of snail rearing 12
2.1.4 Types of snails reared in Nigeria 13
2.1.5 Climate
factors affecting land snails 17
2.1.6 Economic
importance of snail rearing 18
2.1.7 Nutritional
composition of snail meat 21
2.1.8 Marketing of snails in Nigeria 22
2.1.9 Snails in local market 24
2.1.10 Snails in international market 25
2.1.11 Marketing channels for snails 26
2.1.12 Marketing margin 27
2.1.13 Marketing efficiency 27
2.1.14 Problems associated with snail production in Nigeria 28
2.2 Theoretical
Framework 29
2.2.1 Theory of production 29
2.2.2 Factors of production 30
2.2.3 Production function 31
2.3 Review
of Empirical Studies 32
2.4 Analytical
Framework 35
CHAPTER
3: METHODOLOGY
3.1 Research
Design 37
3.2 Area
of Study 37
3.3 Population
of Study 38
3.4 Sampling
Procedure 38
3.5 Method
of Data Collection 38
3.6 Method
of Data Analysis 39
3.7 Model
Specification 39
CHAPTER
4: RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
4.1 Socio-economic Characteristics of the
Snail Rearing and Marketing
Entrepreneurs in Abia State 42
4.1.1 Age of the respondents. 42
4.1.2 Gender of the respondents 43
4.1.3 Marital status of the respondents 44
4.1.4 Household size of the respondents 46
4.1.5 Farming/marketing experience of the
respondents 48
4.1.6 Educational qualification of the
respondents 50
4.1.7 Source of labour of respondents 52
4.1.8 Location of the respondents 53
4.2 Marketing
Channels for Snail in Abia State 54
4.3 Profitability
of the Snail Rearing and Marketing among 57
Entrepreneurs
in Abia State
4.4 Factors
Influencing the Net Turned of Snail Rearing Entrepreneurs
In Abia State 62
4.5
Factors Influencing the Net Return
of Snail Marketing Entrepreneurs
In Abia State 66
4.6 Problems
Faced by Snail rearing Entrepreneurs in the Study Area 69
4.7 Problems
Faced by Snail Marketers in the Study Area 72
CHAPTER 5: SUMMARY,
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Summary 74
5.2 Conclusion 77
5.3: Recommendations 78
References 80
Appendices:
87
LIST OF
TABLES
4.1 Frequency
& percentage distribution of the respondents by age 42
4.2
Frequency & percentage
distribution of the respondents by gender 43
4.3
Frequency & percentage
distribution of the respondents marital status 45
4.4
Frequency & percentage
distribution of the respondents household 46
4.5
Frequency & percentage
distribution of the respondents by
Family/Marketing experience 47
4.6
Frequency & percentage
distribution of respondents by education
Qualification 50
4.7
Frequency & percentage
distribution of respondents by labour source 52
4.8
Frequency & percentage
distribution of the respondents by location 53
4.9 Distribution
of Market Participant 56
4.10 Gross margin and profitability of snail
rearing entrepreneurs per
production
cycle in the study area (N = 68) 58
4.11 Marketing margin and efficiency of snail
marketers per cycle in the study area
(N =
52) 60
4.12 Multiple regression estimates of factors influencing
performance of snail rearing
entrepreneurs
in the study area. 62
4.13 Multiple regression estimates of factors influencing
performance of snail
marketers
in the study area. 66
4.14 Mean
ratings of the respondents on problem faced in snail rearing
entrepreneurs
in Abia State 69
4.15 Mean ratings of the respondents on problem
faced in snail marketers
in Abia State (n = 52). 72
LIST OF
FIGURES
4.1 Marketing Channels for Snail in Abia
State 54
4.2 Marketing Channels of Snails by
Proportion of Actors 55
CHAPTER
1
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY
There has been a lot of renewed focus
on the diversification of Nigerias’ economy away from its dependence on crude
oil. Governments at various levels have introduced numerous initiatives, all
aimed at achieving this. Before the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) of
the Federal Government to diversify the nation’s economy, Effiong and
Onyenweaku (2006) posited on successive governments in Nigeria had embarked on
policies and programs aimed at boosting sustainable macro-livestock and
micro/mini-livestock production. While majority of the initiatives are targeted
at empowering the populace for greater productivity and resourceful management
of available inputs, an appreciable proportion of the initiatives actually have
farmers both in the rural and urban areas, as the prime beneficiaries. Also,
most of the diversification efforts have been focused on entrepreneurship in
the agricultural sector, with emphasis on food crops, micro-livestock, and
natural resources management.
To drive home their policy
initiatives, the government through various advocacy groups and cooperative
societies, have been encouraging entrepreneurs to participate in these
activities; a move which has started bearing the desired fruits; although the
level of performance of entrepreneurs in agriculture as a business venture is
still below expectations; especially in the less popular enterprises such as
snail farming. Despite the nutritional and health benefit which nutrition and
health professionals have been preaching, participation in snail production and
marketing have not reached levels to attract appreciable investment to generate
incomes. Much as Ejidike (2002) opined
that snail production (and marketing) helps to financially empower youths, his
position can be extended to other farmers.
Okonkwo et al., (2013) listed
the advantages of keeping snails over other livestock which makes it suitable
for entrepreneurs with low capital. Starting a snail project requires minimal
initial capital outlay. Additionally, snail can be easily sold when a small
amount of money is needed to meet immediate family needs. Unlike other
livestock enterprises, housing for snails are cheap to construct. Snails could
can easily to kept even in improvised housing. Snail’s feeding is cheap. They
do not compete with man for food and diet, and instead, they feed on kitchen
wastes, poultry manure, leaves and fruits (over ripe or rotten). Snails are
highly prolific. This means that they can reproduce at a fast rate. The Archachatina marginata for example lays
up to 70 – 95 eggs within a growing season while the Achatina achatina lays up to 250 eggs or more in a growing period.
Snails hatch within 28 days and in 12 – 24 months are ready for table. One
snail therefore can in a growing period give 100 – 300 new snails (depending on
the breed).
Moreover, snail production is less
labour demanding than most other livestock enterprises. The cost of labour and
feed is very low. One man hour or day can care for 100 snails. Feeding on
leaves, fruits and kitchen waste, the farmer spends almost nothing on feed.
Internationally, snail meat commands good market in Europe and North America.
Although the annual snail consumption figure for Nigeria is not known, it is
certain that the demand is far above the supply. Snail farming in Nigeria therefore
has very high prospect. Snails are derived from the wild life bank and are used
as food, feed or source of revenue in given parts of countries. The meat is
well appreciated and commands a higher price than the more conventional animals
(Olaleye, 2013). Many species of edible land snails are recognized but the
popular species of economic interest are the West Africa giant snails, Archachatina marginata and Achatina achatina.
Snail is an important food source
very rich in protein, minerals and vitamins and some essential amino-acids.
According to Cobbinah et al., (2008) study has also shown that the
glandular substances in edible snail meat cause agglutination of certain
bacteria, which could be of value in fighting a variety of ailments, including
whooping cough.
Edible snails also play an important
role in folk medicine. In Ghana, the bluish liquid obtained from the shell when
the meat has been removed is believed to be good for infant development
(Imevborem, 1990). The high iron contents of the meat are considered important
in treating anaemia. In West Africa, snail meat has traditionally been a major
ingredient in the diet of people living in the high forest belt zone. In Cote d’Ivoire for example, an estimated
7.9 million kg are eaten annually. In Ghana, it is clear that demand currently
outstrips supply (Efarmspro, 2006).
The marketing of micro livestock is
becoming popular due to the need to bridge the gaps between protein requirement
and actual protein consumed by the people (Ajibefun, 2000). Snail is one of
such micro-livestock that has recently attracted attention among farmers in
Nigeria (Adesofe, 2000; Akinnusi, 2000). According to Akinnusi (1998), Archachatina marginata meat contains
1.41% Calcium while the shell contains 0.53% calcium and is a good source of
magnesium and potassium.
The consumption of small meat by
rural communities is governed more by culture than by social status (Ebenso,
2003). Snail meat is high in protein (37 – 57%) compared to that of other
animals (Iheke and Nwankwo, 2016).
Adeyeye (1996) reported that the
amino acids in the protein of snails would complement the sources of protein by
making good their relevant deficiency of lysine.
Furthermore, Cobbinah (2001) opined
that in West Africa, snail meat forms a substantial part of meat diet of the
local people and fetches a good price in the open market. Most of the snails
marketed are from the wild (Baba and Adaleke
2006). Bayode (2009) has it that the demand for snails are high, locally and
internationally. This agrees with Akinbile (2000) which has it that the
advantage of snail over most other livestock is the availability of ready
domestic and international market. Presently, Nigeria had not met the local and
export demand for snails (Onuigbo, 2016). In spitefulness of the potential in
the snail business, snail demand-supply gap is still very high due to certain
limiting economic factors in Nigeria (Abia State in particular).
According to Onuigbo (2016) several
prospects are obtainable through snail farming (heliculture) and these include
creation of employment, provision of substantial source of protein in diets,
low risk business investment, inexhaustible market potential.
1.2 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM
Although, Iheke and Nwankwo (2016)
posits that snail production is profitable in Abia State, and identified the
factors affecting the profitability to include labour, cost of feed, and
farming experience, other authors like Nto and Mbanasor (2011) had shared
similar opinion before then, with little emphasis on the involvement of women
entrepreneurs in the enterprise. Snail has been identified as one of such micro
livestock that has recently attracted attention among farmers in Nigeria as an
aftermath of the anxiety risen by Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) on
animal protein deficiency among Nigerians (Adesofe, 2000 and Akinnusi, 2000).
It has been reported by FAO (1986) that the average animal protein intake in
Nigeria is low (35%0), calling for concerted effort towards alleviating this
crisis of protein shortage. Furthermore, the conventional and regular source of
animal protein supply in the country like beef, pork, goat meat and poultry are
getting out of reach of the common people due to economic down-turn. This
further increases the problem of low protein supply gap in the society.
There is therefore the need to look
inward and integrate into our farming system some non-conventional meat sources
(Ebenebe, 2000). These will complement the conventional animal sources of
protein supply. The typical African woman is known to use lamps to pick these
snails from nearby bushes in the night for meat. The challenge thus falls on
the micro livestock in which Nigeria is richly endowed. In spite of the considerable external and
local demand, commercial snail farms such as those in Europe, South-East Asia
and America do not exist in Nigeria. In Nigeria, Ghana and Cote d’Iviore where
snail meat is particularly popular, snails are gathered from the forests (Adaigho
and Nwadiolu, 2016). In addition to this, the lack of commercial feeds for
snails in the market discourages snail farming as a profitable business
investment.
However, wild snail population is
declining rapidly due to indiscriminate hunting of snails before they get to
maturity, bush burning, uses of agrochemicals, deforestation and change in
weather (Efarmspro, 2006). This necessitates encouragement of snail farming as
a means of conserving this important resource (Onuigbo, 2016). As was observed
by Amao, Adesiyan and Salako (2007), it is important that snail farming should
be encouraged, because it is only through conscious effort made by man in snail
farming that conservation of these species of animal will be made possible.
The snail marketing is gradually
becoming popular, especially since the advent of snail domestication in this
part of the world. Several intervention efforts have been made to develop the
snail sub-sector of the Nigerian economy, yet the sector is still lagging
behind compared to other livestock. Marketing of snail must be the missing
variable in the intervention programme. This is because according to Osewa (2013),
marketing stimulates production and consumption in an economic system. This
work on performance analysis of entrepreneurs in production and marketing of
snails in Abia State is predicated on the above identified research interests.
Entrepreneurs have not fully harnessed their potentials in agriculture and
agri-related enterprises and this has become an issue for both academic and
economic interests. However, achieving this potential is also facing some
obvious problems. The focus of this research was to identify those challenges
with a view to relating them to the performance of the entrepreneurs in Abia
State, Nigeria.
1.3.
RESEARCH
QUESTIONS
i. What
are the socio-economic characteristics of snail production and marketing
entrepreneurs in Abia State?
ii. What
are the marketing channels for snail in Abia State?
iii. What
are the profitability of snail production and marketing among entrepreneurs in
Abia State?
iv. What
are the factors influencing the performance of snail production and marketing
entrepreneurs in Abia State?
v. What
are the problems faced by snail production and marketing entrepreneurs in the
study area?
1.4
AIM AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
The aim of this study was to analyze
the factors affecting the economics of small scale snail production and
marketing entrepreneurs in Abia State. The specific objectives include to:
i. examine
the socio-economic characteristics of the snail rearing and marketing
entrepreneurs in Abia State.
ii. examine
the marketing channels for snail in Abia State.
iii. estimate
the profitability of the snail rearing and marketing among entrepreneurs in
Abia State.
iv. identify
the factors influencing the net return of snail rearing and marketing
entrepreneurs in Abia State.
v. ascertain
the problems faced by snail rearing and marketing entrepreneurs in the study
area.
1.5
RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS
Ho1 Socioeconomic variables age, gender, marital status, household
size, farming/marketing experience, education do not have significant effect on
the net return of snail production and marketing entrepreneurs.
1.6
JUSTIFICATION OF THE STUDY
In recent times, rearing of
micro-livestock by rural household is becoming popular due to the fact that
households have realized the need to diversify their sources of income, thereby
reducing the risk involved in depending on crop production or salary earning as
the main source of income. There is need to bridge the gap between protein
requirement and actual protein consumed by the people which are not
sufficiently supplied by crop production (Ajibefun, 2000). Snail rearing and
marketing have numerous advantages which are highlighted below;
The snail sub-sector has much to
offer as source of income, employment and self-sufficiency in animal protein
supply, to the people of Abia State, Nigeria. The research work will serve as a
source of literature and as an instrument to agricultural extension agents,
individual scholars, business people and government for improvement of
production and manpower development in Nigeria. Furthermore, the study will aid
government in developing agricultural policies and further research on this
topic.
Also,
this work will help to promotes awareness on the benefits of snail farming inside
Nigeria among entrepreneurs.
1.7 LIMITATIONS
OF THE STUDY
The study pertains to the owners of
snail farms and marketers, who are generally suspicious of the motives of any
investigation. They limitations of government neglect to agriculture loans,
training of youths as means to raise agriculture from sleep in Nigeria, mostly
Abia State. Therefore, investigation has confronted with various drawbacks in
ascertaining accuracy of the data. However, care has been in use to collect the
data as accurately as possible by generalizing the findings of the present
study.
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