BENEFITS AND CONSTRAINTS OF SNAIL AND CATFISH FARMING IN ONDO WEST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF ONDO STATE

Abstract

This study investigated the various aspects of snail and catfish farming as well as the benefits and challenges faced by entrepreneurs in Ondo West Local Government Area of Ondo State. The study involved thirty-six catfish and two snail farmers who were selected for this study. Validated questionnaires were used to collect data from selected farmers in the local government area. The data collected were analyzed using frequency counts, simple percentages, mean and standard deviation. The major findings revealed that there were different aspects of snail and catfish farming for farmers and entrepreneurs. These aspects included sorting (50%), transportation (100%), production of feed (63.9%), sales of smoked fish (50%), sales of table-size fish (41.7%) and fingerlings (58.3%), and acting as an intermediary between farmer and consumer (69.4%). Findings also revealed that snail and catfish farming brought significant benefits to the farmers. They were good sources of income and employment, and highly nutritious. The high reproductive ability of snails and catfish also makes the business viable. The challenges of snail and catfish farming were related to capital (69.4%), availability of infrastructure (47.2%) and amenities (50%), pests and diseases (100%), sitting (66.7%) and scarcity of feeds (55.6%). The study concluded that snail farming and catfish farming are profitable businesses with various aspects, viable benefits as well as constraints. It was recommended that extension agencies maintain good relationships with the farmers to intensify their awareness about the adoption of improved technology, and formal fund sourcing. Additionally, they should encourage fish farmers to join various fish and snail farmers’ groups to make the required information and best practices readily accessible.