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Article Title:
Building Capacity for Snail and Mushroom Farming in Rural Communities of Imo State, Nigeria
by Pat-Mbano, E. C. and Chikwendu, L.

Abstract:
Obviously, food insecurity, diminishing quality of health and increasing environmental degradation are the three key underlying problems affecting the future well being of Mankind. Nigeria, despite having a majority of her population engaged in Agriculture still imports over 90% of her food products. Huge amount of money is invested in the health sector with a lot of people importing herbal drugs. There is also an urgent need to diversify the economy as Oil which is a limited resource is their major source of the country?s revenue. Farmers in the rural areas lack the knowledge and capacity to engage in non Timber Forest Products (NTFP) that can serve both as money spinner and health builder. The involvement of farmers in rural communities of the three senatorial zone were evaluated, personal observations and interview of government agencies and stakeholders were also conducted. A structured questionnaire were sampled to 120 respondents in Eziudo, Ezinhitte Mbaise Local government area (Owerri zone), Umuagwo, Ohaji/Egbema Local government area (Orlu zone) and Isuochi, Okigwe Local government area (Okigwe zone) in Imo State respectively. Data obtained were analyzed using using descriptive statistics. Tables, percentages and graphs were also employed for the analysis. Findings revealed low level of involvement in snail and mushroom farming. Their involvement is hampered by information flow, ignorance of the importance of snail and mushroom farming, lack of funds/empowerment and skill in the management of such venture. Suggestions were made to address the fundamental strategies that can improve the introduction, practice and management of snail and mushroom farming in the study area.

Keywords: snail and mushroom farming, rural communities, food insecurity, building capacity, non timber forest products

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