Assessing the sustainability of snail farming in Kampala Metropolitan Area

Abstract

Background: Snail farming (heliciculture) is increasingly recognized in Uganda, particularly within the Kampala Metropolitan Area, as a sustainable and alternative source of income and nutrition. However, empirical evidence on its sustainability, market dynamics and social acceptance remains limited. Methodology: This cross-sectional study employed snowball sampling to identify snail farmers and their neighboring communities across Mukono, Entebbe, Kisaasi and Kiwaatule. Data was collected from four farms using structured questionnaires, observation checklists and key informant interviews embedded in the kobo collect software. Quantitative data was analyzed using STATA 14.1 and Excel while qualitative and observational data was thematically interpreted. Results: All respondents 100% reared Achatina fulica, indicating its dominance in local heliciculture. Housing structures varied, 50% used pens, while others utilized makeshift containers such as buckets or old rooms. Observational findings highlighted improvised, small-scale housing made of wood, iron sheets or wire mesh, with moist soil and shade provided to maintain humidity. Despite limited resources, farmers demonstrated creativity in pen construction. Snails were mostly found in corners or on walls of the enclosures, with 75% of farms offering adequate space and fresh feed (e.g. spinach, cabbage, watermelon). However, 100% of farms lacked veterinary care and 50% practiced rough handling. Snail activity varied where 75% were reported as active or very active, while dormancy in 25% was attributed to heat, dryness or lack of moisture. No serious health issues were noted, though 25% of farms lacked drinking water or had fecal matter in the pens. On market dynamics 50% of respondents sold snails in small orders (5-10 per order) and only upon client request to ensure freshness. Products included live snails, meat, slime and value-added items like scrubs, with earnings per order ranging from UGX 5,000 to UGX 120,000. Clientele was split evenly between "few" and "many," and marketing was primarily done via phone calls, referrals, and word of mouth—especially to foreign clients such as Nigerians, Ghanaians, Chinese, and Koreans. Bi-variate analysis revealed no statistically significant associations between pricing variables and market strategy (p > 0.05). Notably, the variable "how much is a kilogram of slaughtered snail meat" approached significance (p = 0.092; COR = 1.0, CI: 0.06–15.99), indicating a potential but inconclusive association warranting further research. Conclusion: Snail farming in the Kampala Metropolitan Area shows strong potential in terms of sustainability and income generation. However, the practice remains constrained by socio-cultural stigma, lack of veterinary services, inadequate infrastructure and informal market strategies. The absence of significant pricing influence on market strategy suggests the need for targeted business training and structured market access. Scaling snail farming sustainably will require technical support, public education and the development of reliable value chains and infrastructure.