Did you know that snails contain more iron than beef and are packed with essential amino acids?

In a nation grappling with food security challenges, especially within vulnerable households, innovative and accessible nutritional solutions are crucial. This is where the Lagos Food Bank Initiative (LFBI) fills in the gap, tirelessly working to combat hunger and malnutrition, focusing on distributing food and providing nutritional education. Our mission resonates deeply with the need to explore diverse and affordable food sources. One such underutilized resource is the humble snail.

The Protein Problem

Many Nigerian diets lack adequate protein, leading to stunted growth, weakened immunity, and other health complications. Traditional protein sources like beef, fish, and poultry are often expensive, making them inaccessible to low-income households. Snails, however, provide a cost-effective alternative. They are rich in high-quality protein, essential for building and repairing tissues, and contain all the essential amino acids required for optimal health. Beyond protein, snails are a significant source of vital minerals, they are packed with iron, crucial for preventing anemia; and calcium, essential for strong bones and teeth. The low fat and cholesterol content of snails also makes them a heart-healthy option.

Addressing Food Insecurity

Many Nigerian households struggle with access to balanced meals due to economic constraints and fluctuating food prices, and while the regular sources of protein increasingly become inaccessible to the common man, snails, on the other hand, are readily available in many regions and can be harvested or farmed with minimal resources. This accessibility makes them a sustainable option for improving nutritional intake.

LFBI’s Role and Impact

The LFBI’s programs, such as the Nutritious Meal Plan Intervention for Vulnerable Mothers and Children (NUMEPLAN), emphasizes the importance of diverse and nutrient-rich diets; the Family Farming program focuses on farming vegetables, snails and poultry. By promoting snail farming for own consumption and income generation, LFBI is contributing to combating malnutrition and strengthening food security within vulnerable communities.

Sustainability and Accessibility

Snails are relatively easy to rear, requiring minimal space and resources. This makes them a sustainable option for both urban and rural households. The potential for snail farming can empower communities, creating income opportunities and improving food security.

In conclusion, embracing snails as a regular part of the Nigerian diet offers a practical and nutritious solution to address food and nutrition insecurity. By leveraging this readily available resource, we can successfully reduce the rate and impact of malnutrition in the country.

Article written by Adebisi Tolulope