The best snail species for rearing in Nigeria are Achatina fulica, Archachatina marginata, and Archachatina ventricosa. Rearing snails is a viable business opportunity with great financial potential and can transform the food security situation of the nation. Snails contain proteins, vitamins, and minerals which are essential for human health. Snails also occupy a special place in delicacies all over the world but especially in Nigeria. Apart from being a source of protein for humans and animals alike, it also generates employment opportunities for many individuals across the country. There is an urgent need to harness this immense potential that has been untapped so far. With more awareness about snail farming as an alternative livelihood strategy, the industry will grow immensely. This article provides detailed information on how to go about rearing snails in Nigeria as well as some tips on how to avoid common mistakes made by farmers while embarking on this venture.
Achatina fulica
Achatina fulica is the most common species of snail in the pet trade. It is a terrestrial pulmonate gastropod mollusk in the family Achatinidae. Common names include giant African land snail, giant West African snail, giant East African snail and others. Compared to other snails, Achatina fulica has an unusually large shell for its size (up to 9 cm or 3½ inches).
In its native habitat in Africa, it feeds on fruits and vegetables including banana plants and palm leaves.
Archachatina marginata
Archachatina marginata is a species of air-breathing land snail, a terrestrial pulmonate gastropod mollusk in the family Achatinidae.
This species is endemic to Kenya.
The shell of this snail is brown-coloured, with a smooth texture and an oval shape. The size ranges from 20mm – 40mm.
Archachatina ventricosa
Archachatina ventricosa is a species of large, air-breathing land snail, a terrestrial pulmonate gastropod mollusk in the family Achatinidae.
Archachatina ventricosa is the largest of all African snails and one of the largest living mollusks.
This species has been introduced to many countries outside its natural range as an ornamental pet or for biological control of invasive plants; it has become an invasive species in some areas.
Others are Amphibulima patula, Otala lactea, and Helix aspersa
Other snails to consider:
- Amphibulima patula, a species that grows up to 50mm in length and is often found on the underside of leaves. It’s also known as the “Tiger Snail” because of its striped coloration pattern.
- Otala lactea, a small snail which can be found all over Africa and has been known to grow up to 35mm in size.
- Helix aspersa, also called the European garden snail or escargot de Bourgogne, is native to Europe but has spread all over the world due to being transported with plants shipped from Europe beginning in about 1870.This particular species has many subspecies which vary slightly in terms of appearance and habitat preferences; some are even edible!
Knowledge is power
Knowledge is power. And that is the best way of keeping safe in this world, by knowing what you can do and how you can use your knowledge.
While most people think that it’s only the big things that give us power, like money and fame, but the truth is that knowledge gives us even more power than any material thing in this world.
You see, knowledge makes you more powerful than anything else because it strengthens your mind and makes you able to do anything without fear or worry about failure.
You may not be rich today but if somebody comes up to ask for money from you tomorrow; then all they will get from you is an advice on how to make some cash instead of giving them any cash directly because now your mind has been fortified with enough knowledge to make sure such things don’t happen again anytime soon! That’s why I say ‘knowledge is power!” — It gives us control over our lives again so we don’t have depend too much on other people or even chance events happening in life (like winning lottery).
Snails are an amazing business idea, they are relatively easy to manage. They multiply rapidly and the demand for them is always on the rise. You can easily convert your back yard into a snail farm and start earning from it.