MARKETING ANALYSIS OF SNAILS IN SELECTED MARKETS IN BENIN CITY, EDO STATE, NIGERIA

ABSTRACT

The study on the marketing analysis of snails was carried out in Benin city ; using 300 copies of questionnaires out of which 245 were retrieved . A purposive sampling technique was used in sample enumeration. Descriptive and inferential statistics methods were employed in analyzing the data collected. 9 markets were visited in 3 local government areas (3 markets per local government) for data collection and they are : Oregbeni, New Benin, Ekioba, Ekiosa, Santana, Oka, Evbuotubu, Edaiken uselu and Ekiuwa markets.The results from the study showed that snail marketing is dominated by females (92.31%), most were married (67.69%) and mostly between the age range of 39 - 48 years.Majority of the snails sold were sourced from village markets (89.23%), the major problem associated with snail business is the high cost of snails (76.92%). 58.46% of the traders consider snail business to be very profitable. 92.31% of the traders reported that the demand for snails is high and that the market is also fairly competitive.The result also revealed that 58.33% of snail consumers who attempted the questionnaires were male and 41.67% females. 77.78% of the consumer respondents were willing to pay a higher price for more improved products and 41.11% of consumers, consumed snails once in a month. The various price range of snails in Benin City were as follows: 10 small snails at N1000 – N 2000, 10 medium snails at N 2000 – N 3000 and 10 large snails at N 5000 – N 6000. It was concluded that snail marketing is profitable and that the demand for snails is high. It was recommended that more focus should be centered on snail farming to help increase availability of snails for consumption.