A Practical Guide to Alternative Livelihood for Farmers in Remote Communities in Kwara State

Introduction

Seasonal difficulties are common for farmers in isolated areas, especially in Kwara State. These challenges affect income and productivity, especially during off-peak farming seasons. Finding an alternate source of income during these periods is essential to sustaining livelihoods and improving living standards.

By pursuing alternative employment, farmers can:

• Diversify their income sources

• Reduce exposure to crop failure, market fluctuations, and environmental challenges

The DIGISOL survey identified several livelihood options available to farmers, including:

• Agriculture-related options: snail farming, fish farming, poultry farming

• Non-agricultural options: transportation, carpentry, bricklaying, commerce, entertainment, construction labour

This guide focuses on three agriculture-related options.

1. Snail Farming

Snail farming (heliciculture) is ideal during the off-season and requires eight key steps:

1. Choose the Right Snail Species
   Viable species include Achatina achatina, Achatina fulica, and Archachatina marginata.

2. Prepare the Snail Pen

   • Cool, shaded location

   • Materials: wire mesh, concrete, or wooden boxes

   • Walls at least 1.5m high

   • Loamy soil for nutrients and egg-laying

   • Good ventilation and drainage

3. Provide Shelter and Shade

   • Use grasses, shrubs, banana leaves for natural shade

4. Feeding

   • Feed lettuce, pawpaw, plantains, cassava leaves, cabbage, fruits

   • Provide calcium (crushed eggshells, limestone)

5. Watering

   • Lightly spray pen once or twice daily, avoid over-watering

6. Breeding

   • Snails lay eggs in moist soil; separate young from adults

7. Care and Management

   • Protect from pests (ants, rats, frogs)

   • Keep pen clean

8. Harvesting

   • After 6–12 months, harvest early morning or late evening

2. Fish Farming

Fish farming offers steady income and food security.

Steps:

1. Select the Right Fish Species

   • Choose based on climate and market demand (e.g., tilapia, catfish)

2. Choose the Type of Fish Farming

   • Tank-based: Concrete or fibreglass tanks for controlled environment

   • Pond-based: Artificial/natural ponds, low-cost, suitable for rural areas

   • Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS): Intensive, water recirculation

3. Select a Suitable Location

   • Clean water source, proper drainage, suitable land

4. Construct or Acquire Ponds/Tanks

   • Depth: 1.5–2m

   • Water inlet/outlet for control

   • Install aerators if needed

5. Obtain Fingerlings from reputable hatcheries

6. Provide Adequate Feed

   • Balanced diet with proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals

   • Feed 2–3 times daily

7. Manage Water Quality

   • Monitor oxygen, pH, temperature

   • Use filtration or aerators

8. Control Diseases and Predators

   • Watch for abnormal behaviour or signs of illness

   • Protect with nets/fences

9. Harvesting

   • Harvest at market size, ensure quality before sale

3. Poultry Farming

Raising chickens, turkeys, ducks, or geese for meat (broilers) or eggs (layers) is profitable due to high demand and short cycles.

Types:

• Broiler Farming: Chickens for meat (ready in 5–8 weeks)

• Layer Farming: Chickens for eggs (productive 18–72 weeks)

• Breeder Farming: Maintain parent flocks for fertile eggs

Steps for Aspiring Farmers:

1. Conduct Market Research

   • Understand demand

   • Analyse competition

   • Choose niche (broilers, layers, turkeys, quails)

2. Create a Business Plan

   • Mission statement, budget, marketing strategy

3. Secure Funding

   • Personal savings, loans, grants (e.g., ABP)

4. Choose a Location

   • Adequate land, market proximity, biosecurity

5. Construct Poultry Housing

   • Deep Litter System or Battery Cage System

6. Purchase Equipment

   • Feeders, waterers, brooders, vaccination supplies

7. Select Quality Breeds

   • Broilers: Arbor Acres, Cobb 500, Ross 308

   • Layers: ISA Brown, Lohmann, Hy-Line

8. Feed and Nutrition

   • Balanced diet, fresh water, supplements

9. Biosecurity and Disease Management

   • Vaccination, hygiene, quarantine, veterinary support

10. Production and Sales

    • Broilers at 5–8 weeks

    • Collect and market eggs regularly

11. Maintain Records

    • Feed use, mortality, growth, production, finances

12. Expand and Scale Up

    • Consider feed production, hatcheries, value-added products

Conclusion

Adopting alternative livelihoods like snail farming, fish farming, and poultry farming can:

• Reduce dependency on crop farming

• Increase income stability

• Improve resilience to environmental and market challenges