ABSTRACT
The study was conducted in Akure metropolis to evaluate the consumptions characteristics
of mushroom and snails among urban households. Stratified random
sampling technique was used to administer seventy questionnaires among urban
household heads in the study area. The results of the study showed that
urban households consume mushrooms and snails in the study area.
Chi-square test (0.05) shows that respondents’ educational
qualification, income level and household
size all have significant influence on the consumptions of mushrooms
and snails in the study area. Some respondents however did not consume
mushrooms in the study area because of the fear of the existence of some
poisonous mushroom. Forestry department can help to improve the
consumptions of mushrooms by raising the awareness of urban households
about mushroom consumption so as to remove the fear of the people over mushroom consumption.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of Study
Snail
meat has been consumed by humans throughout the world since prehistoric
times (Cobbinah, 2001). The interest in snail farming around the world
stems from snails’ high quality protein and medicinal value. For
instance, protein from snail meat is said tobe very rich in all
essential amino acids such as lysine, leucine, argeinine and tryptophan
(Emevbore and Ademosun, 1988). Snail meat has been found to be higher in
protein content (37 – 51%) compared to that of guinea pig (20.3%),
poultry (18.3%), fish (18%), cattle (17.5%), sheep (16.4%) and swine
(14.5%). Iron content (45 – 59mg/kg), low in fat (0.05 – 0.08%), sodium
and cholesterol level (Bayode, 2009).
The bluish liquid obtained from snail has high iron content and is
used for treatment of anaemia, hypertension and poor sight (Emevbore and
Ademosun, 1988). The formulations from this liquid can be used to treat
burns, abscesses and other wounds, measles, small pox and some skin
diseases (Bayode, 2009). In Ghana, the bluish liquid is believed to be
good for infants’ development (Ashaye, Omele, Adetoro and Kehinde,
2001). According to Amao, Adesiyan and Salako (2007), snail meat is
recommended in the past for treatment of ulcer, asthma and even at the
imperial court, in Rome it was thought to contain aphrodisiac properties
(arousing or increasing sexual desire) and was often served to visiting
dignitaries in the late evenings.
Snail meat being rich in calcium, potassium, magnesium and iron is
recommended for a hypertensive and pregnant women. It is important
source of protein to human diet, additional source of income to farmers.
This study will therefore serve as reference material for snail farmers
and create awareness to prospective snail farmers.