Cost-Benefit Analysis of Snail Farming in Ogun State

Snail farming (heliciculture) is gaining recognition in Nigeria as a low-input, high-protein livestock enterprise with significant potential for rural income generation and nutritional contribution. In Ogun State, in the South West geopolitical zone, traditional snail harvesting from the wild has transitioned in some communities to structured intensive and semi-intensive farming systems. This study conducts a cost-benefit analysis of snail farming enterprises in Ogun State using primary data collected from 65 snail farmers selected through purposive sampling from three local government areas. Data on capital investment, housing construction, stocking density, feed costs, mortality rates, growth performance, and market prices were captured through farm visits and structured interviews. Enterprise budgets were constructed for intensive and free-range snail production systems. Results indicate that intensive snail farming in concrete pens generated a net profit of N58,000 per cycle of eight months, with a benefit-cost ratio of 1.62. Free-range systems in vegetated enclosures had lower operational costs but also lower output predictability. Feed cost, primarily composed of fruits, vegetables, and supplementary calcium sources, accounted for 34 percent of total variable costs. Mortality from predators was a significant challenge in systems without adequate housing covers. The study concludes that snail farming is profitable and accessible in Ogun State and recommends targeted training on intensive management techniques and market development support for producers seeking to supply urban food markets. Keywords: snail farming, cost-benefit analysis, heliciculture, Ogun State, rural enterprise