DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sajb.2025.v13i10.004

Pages: 1434-1440

Edible land snails are a culturally important and nutritionally valuable food resource in West Africa, yet their consumption practices remain poorly documented in Côte d’Ivoire. This study investigated local knowledge, preferences, and collection practices in the Haut-Sassandra region, where declining populations of Achatina achatina raise concerns about sustainability and potential alternatives. A survey of 302 respondents revealed that snail consumption is strongly anchored in cultural traditions, with a predominance of female respondents (≈69%) and young adults (19–35 years). Knowledge of snail species was widespread, with A. achatina almost universally recognized (99.7%) and strongly preferred (91.8%) for its size and desirable texture. Although Achatina fulica is considered an invasive agricultural pest, it was recognized by 79.1% of respondents and consumed by some due to its ubiquity and resemblance to other species. Consumption frequency was moderate, with most respondents eating snails two to three times per month. Boiling was the dominant preparation method, followed by grilling and frying, reflecting both cultural preferences and food safety considerations. Collection practices varied significantly by locality, with field collection predominating, while markets ensured year-round availability despite seasonal peaks during the rainy season. These results highlight the entanglement of ecological knowledge, cultural practices, and livelihood strategies in snail consumption. They also point to the dual perception of A. fulica as both a pest and a potential food resource, illustrating local adaptive responses to ecological change. Overall, this study provides critical insights for ethnobiology, food security, and the development of sustainable snail farming initiatives in Côte d’Ivoire.