Farmers in Kenya are being urged to consider snails as a commercial enterprise, rather than viewing them as agricultural pests. Researchers from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) showcased the opportunity at the Nairobi International Trade Fair, demonstrating how farmers can extract value from snails. Anne Muthui from JKUAT’s Department of Horticulture and Food Security explained that a single snail can provide three products, each with a potential market.
The meat of snails offers an alternative source of protein, rich in zinc and iron, making it a good option for those not producing red meat. Muthui said that snail meat is a good white meat that can be sold to the food industry. This provides farmers with an additional source of income beyond conventional crops and livestock. The university is promoting snail farming as a viable enterprise that can generate income for farmers.
Snail slime has applications in the cosmetics industry, used in products such as soaps, creams, facial serums, body lotions, and shower gels. Muthui stated that processors use snail slime, creating a market for farmers who can supply the raw material. This offers farmers another opportunity to earn from snails, beyond meat production. The use of snail slime in cosmetics is a growing industry, providing a new market for farmers.
Snail shells also have a use beyond the farm, containing calcium that can be processed and fortified for animal feed. Muthui explained that the shells can be used to make feed for laying hens and young chicks. This provides farmers with a third product from snails, increasing their potential earnings. The use of snail shells in animal feed is a valuable way to utilize what would otherwise be discarded.
JKUAT is using the trade fair to familiarize farmers with snail farming and demonstrate how value addition can create markets from agricultural resources that are often discarded or overlooked. The initiative comes as farmers seek alternative enterprises that can generate income beyond conventional crops and livestock. By promoting snail farming, the university aims to help farmers diversify their income streams.
The promotion of snail farming is part of a broader effort to encourage farmers to explore new opportunities for income generation. With the global demand for alternative sources of protein and natural products, snail farming is becoming increasingly attractive. In Kenya, farmers are being encouraged to take advantage of this trend and turn snails into a profitable venture.
The Nairobi International Trade Fair provided a platform for researchers to showcase the potential of snail farming and interact with farmers. Through such initiatives, farmers can learn about new opportunities and technologies that can help them increase their income and improve their livelihoods. By adopting snail farming, Kenyan farmers can tap into a new and growing market.
Key points
- Kenyan farmers can earn income from snails by selling their meat, shells, and slime to the food, cosmetics, and livestock industries.
