ABSTRACT

The study examined the economics of snail production among farmers in Ikwuano L.G.A of Abia State. It considered the socio-economic factors affecting snail production, the profitability of the enterprise and resource use efficiency in the study area. A total cf 60 respondents were randomly selected from the 4 clans in the L.G.A. A well structured questionnaire was administered to the choosen farmers. Analysis was done using simple statistical tools like tables, percentages, means, frequencies, net income analysis, regression analysis and allocative efficiency ratio. Netincome analysis was used to determine the profitability of the enterprise, which was found to be profitable at a profit margin of N 47624. Multiple regression analysis was used to estimate the production function for snail production. The result of the regression showed that quantity of foundation stock and feed cost were the variables that significantly increased output in snail production. The resources (inputs) were found to have been inefficiently utilized as the allocative efficiency ratio of quantity of foundation stock, feed cost, cost of housing and labour were 875.0195, 105.95, 185.4 and 0.2 respectively. Constraints in snail production in decreasing magnitude were slow growth, predator attack and soldier ants, feed availability, source of foundation stock, mortalit', capital and marketing. It was recommended that extension agents should teach farmers on improved techniques in snail production. More research should be carried out, Government should estabiish brcedinc centres; provide firmers with incentives irid other inputs. Farmers should lorm themselves into cooperatives o as 1:0 obtain subsidies and to secure better marketing opportunities for their commodities