This archive report was first published on 29 October 2019.
JKUAT's Innovative Approach to Snail Farming ¶
On October 29, 2019, researchers at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) unveiled a value addition project that takes snail farming to the next level. By pioneering the production of skincare products from snail mucin, they aim to expand the market beyond food.
Dr. Paul Kinoti, a scientist leading the snail rearing project at JKUAT, explained that the African giant snail produces a secretion known as mucin, which can be used in making cosmetics. The university is currently making skincare products from the snail's mucin, which will hit the market once they receive a nod from the Kenya Bureau of Standards (Kebs).
The production of snail mucin skincare is a capital-intensive process, requiring the extraction of slime from the snails. Dr. Kinoti noted that the university imports the machine used for extraction, which costs five million dollars (Sh500 million). The university is also offering training to discerning farmers and selling snail stocks to them.
According to Ivy Rosio, a student at JKUAT who was manning the varsity stand during the Nairobi International Trade Fair, the university is training farmers on snail farming and selling snail stocks to them. 'Those planning to venture into the business are given 30 African giant snails, which cost about Sh10,000,' she said.
Snails are a good source of protein, with a high level of Omega 3. They are also easy to breed, requiring low maintenance, including feed. The venture is not quite popular in the country, but it has been in West Africa and Asian countries such as China and Japan.
Ms. Rosio noted that snails can be used to make a wide range of products, including liquid soaps, face creams, fertilizers, and organic feeds. The snails' shells can be used to make ornaments or to trap heavy metals in water treatment.
Dr. Kinoti observed that the cost of producing the skin care products is high due to the need to import the slime from Western countries. 'There is a species of snail known as Helis Aspasia (brown snail) which produces a lot of slime; about 10ml per snail, but are not found in Kenya hence we have to import the slime from the western countries,' he said.
