DETERMINANTS OF PRODUCTION LEVEL OF COMMERCIAL SNAIL FARMERS IN OYO STATE, NIGERIA

The study investigates the determinants of production level among commercial snail farmers in Oyo State. A systematic sampling technique was employed to select one-hundred and forty-two snail farmers from the membership list provided by the Snail Farmers Association of Nigeria (SFAN), Oyo State Chapter. Questionnaire were administered to selected respondents and information related to personal characteristics, herd size, sources of breeding stock, production level, marketing methods/ opportunities and areas of extension needs were sought. Analytical tools employed include frequency counts, Chi-Square and five (5) point Likert scale. The results show that only 23.90% of the respondents are females while about 74% of the respondents had herd size of less than 1000 snails. Snail farmers with tertiary education are more in the distribution (44.10%) while civil servants are also more among the occupational distribution (34.50%). However, the findings show that there is significant relationship between the personal characteristics of respondents and their herd size, hence snail productivity. The problems associated with production are also significantly related to the productivity level. The study identifies housing, management and pest control as areas of extension needs towards increased productivity. Workshops on areas of extension needs could therefore be organized since an association already exists. It is also recommended that females be encouraged and supported to invest in snailry towards women development.