Snail
Agrodok 47
Snail Farming
Production, processing and marketing
Dr J.R. Cobbinah Adri Vink Ben Onwuka
This publication is sponsored by: ICCO
© Agromisa Foundation, Wageningen, 2008. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form, by print, photocopy, microfilm or any other means, without written permission from the publisher. First edition: 2008 Authors: Dr J.R. Cobbinah, Adri Vink, Ben Onwuka Illustrator: Barbera Oranje Design: Eva Kok Translation: Catharina de Kat-Reynen Printed by: Digigrafi, Wageningen, the Netherlands ISBN Agromisa: 978-90-8573-108-5 ISBN CTA: 978-92-9081-398-9
Foreword
There is no reliable documentation on when and where humans started consuming snails as a food supplement. In many places where snails occur, especially in tropical and sub-tropical areas like West and East Africa, natives gather snails, eat them and sell the surplus as a source of income. This booklet aims to provide ideas to farmers who would like to produce snails on a small scale for consumption or marketing. It is not primarily intended for entrepreneurs wishing to engage in large-scale snail farming for the export market. Attention is focused here on three major species, Achatina achatina, Achatina fulica and Archachatina marginata, that are common in tropical areas, especially in Africa. Limiting factors to be considered for effective snail farming are discussed so that farmers do not start breeding snails without considering the advantages and constraints. Incentive for the production of this booklet came from frequent requests for an Agrodok on snail farming received in returned Agrodok questionnaires. A great deal of basic information was provided by Dr Joseph R. Cobbinah's practical guide on Snail Farming in West Africa. This was supplemented by literature and internet research, as well as through contacts with African experts on the subject. Agromisa, August 2008
Foreword
3
Contents
1 2 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7
Snail Farming
Production, processing and marketing
Dr J.R. Cobbinah Adri Vink Ben Onwuka
This publication is sponsored by: ICCO
© Agromisa Foundation, Wageningen, 2008. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form, by print, photocopy, microfilm or any other means, without written permission from the publisher. First edition: 2008 Authors: Dr J.R. Cobbinah, Adri Vink, Ben Onwuka Illustrator: Barbera Oranje Design: Eva Kok Translation: Catharina de Kat-Reynen Printed by: Digigrafi, Wageningen, the Netherlands ISBN Agromisa: 978-90-8573-108-5 ISBN CTA: 978-92-9081-398-9
Foreword
There is no reliable documentation on when and where humans started consuming snails as a food supplement. In many places where snails occur, especially in tropical and sub-tropical areas like West and East Africa, natives gather snails, eat them and sell the surplus as a source of income. This booklet aims to provide ideas to farmers who would like to produce snails on a small scale for consumption or marketing. It is not primarily intended for entrepreneurs wishing to engage in large-scale snail farming for the export market. Attention is focused here on three major species, Achatina achatina, Achatina fulica and Archachatina marginata, that are common in tropical areas, especially in Africa. Limiting factors to be considered for effective snail farming are discussed so that farmers do not start breeding snails without considering the advantages and constraints. Incentive for the production of this booklet came from frequent requests for an Agrodok on snail farming received in returned Agrodok questionnaires. A great deal of basic information was provided by Dr Joseph R. Cobbinah's practical guide on Snail Farming in West Africa. This was supplemented by literature and internet research, as well as through contacts with African experts on the subject. Agromisa, August 2008
Foreword
3
Contents
1 2 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7