ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF SNAIL PRODUCTION IN BENIN METROPOLIS OF EDO STATE

ABSTRACT

The study analyzed the economics of snail production in Benin metropolis, Edo state, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to describe the snail production system, describe the socioeconomic characteristics of snail farmers, examine the cost and returns of snail farming and identify the constraints facing snail production. A two stage sampling technique was employed for this study. Stage 1 involves a purposive selection of 3 local governments based on the high population of snail farmers. Stage 2 involved the Snow balling sampling technique which involves the establishment of personal contact with the farmers to build up the required sample that was used to identify the snail farmers’ one after the other. Data obtained were analyzed using simple descriptive statistics, farm budgetary analysis and the 5 point Likert scale, results revealed that majority of the farmers were males (58.5%) and they were between the mean ages of 47years. The results of the rate of return indicate that the snail farmers obtained a gross margin and net profit of N127,924.00 and N122,916.28. This demonstrates the high monetary capability of the snail farming business for augmenting family revenue and improving the living expectations of the farmers. The result indicates that the snail business is generating sufficient revenue to cover both direct production and operational cost, resulting in a positive and substantial net profit.