In Ivory Coast, the unique and highly prized giant snails are facing a worrying decline due to deforestation and pesticide use, causing these creatures to vanish from their natural rainforest habitats. To combat this trend and simultaneously sustain their livelihoods, local communities have taken up the initiative to breed these snails in flourishing farms.
Bernus Bleu, the founder and director of the Côte d’Ivoire experti犀利士 se escargots (CIEE), highlighted the cost-effectiveness and simplicity of snail farming. He emphasized its economic advantages, stating that it doesn’t necessitate veterinary products or other extensive expenses, making it an organic and natural practice. Over the past five years, the productivity and viability of snail farming have prompted a significant surge in participation among Ivorians. Government statistics reveal that production has escalated from 25 to 250 tonnes of snails per month, showcasing remarkable progress in this sector.
Presently, there are around 1,500 snail farms primarily located in the humid southern regions of Côte d’Ivoire. The CIEE assists local farmers through training and establishing snail breeding facilities, subsequently purchasing their produce. Moreover, they’ve tapped into additional market outlets, using snail shells as livestock feed and producing soap from snail mucin with exclusive rights to do so. In a workshop situated 40 kilometers north of the capital, Azaguié, workers craft soap and shower gel infused with snail mucin, blending it with coconut oil, green coloring, and fragrance. This small-scale operation yields an average of 5,000 soaps and 5,000 bottles of gel weekly, each utilizing snail mucin known for its skin-hydrating and complexion-improving properties, believed to slow skin aging.
Beyond its cosmetic applications, these snails are highly esteemed in Ivorian cuisine, adding sweetness and flavor to various dishes. Vendors like “La Jumelle” appreciate its taste when well-prepared, enhancing its appeal among consumers. The dwindling forests in Côte d’Ivoire, where nearly 90% has disappeared in six decades due to agricultural activities, particularly cocoa cultivation, serve as a reminder of the imminent threat to both people and wildlife due to constant deforestation, pesticide use, and climate-related risks.