This archive report was first published on 14 September 2019.
September 14, 2019, marked a significant shift in the perception of snails in Kenya. What were once considered pests are now being farmed and processed into a variety of products, including a delicacy, fertilizer, and skin cream.
At the Central Kenya Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) show, visitors were able to sample snail-based dishes and learn about the benefits of snail farming. Dr. Paul Kinoti, a food technologist from Jomo Kenyatta University of Science and Technology (JKUAT), was on hand to showcase the nutritional value of snails.
According to Dr. Kinoti, snails contain 15% protein, 2.4% fat, and 80% water, making them an excellent source of dietary balance. They also possess anticancer properties, boost the immune system, and are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory effects.
Snails are also a rich source of vitamins E, A, K, and B12, as well as fatty acids, calcium, iron, selenium, and magnesium. They are low in calories and high in protein, making them an ideal food source for building and repairing muscles.
Dr. Kinoti noted that eating snails could be part of a solution to curb iron deficiency and malnutrition among children and lifestyle diseases, which have become prevalent in Kenya.
JKUAT is breeding the Giant African Land Snail, which is commonly found on farms across East Africa. To farm snails, one must obtain a permit from the Kenya Wildlife Service and ensure that the snails have enough space to avoid overcrowding.
Snail eggs hatch after two weeks to a month, and it takes up to 14 months for the snails to fully mature, depending on the weather. Dr. Kinoti has also managed to extract a skin cream from snails that is suitable for people suffering from rashes, acne, and sunburns.
The process of making snail-based products involves exerting pressure on the snails to extract their slime, which is then laced with perfume to meet the cosmetic benefit. The excretes from the snails are used to make fertilizers, which are rich in nitrogen. The shells are crushed and mixed with the excretes to create a quality organic fertilizer.
Dr. Kinoti's innovative approach to snail farming and processing has opened up new opportunities for Kenyan farmers and consumers alike. By making use of the available resources, JKUAT is adding value to diets and contributing to the country's economic growth.
