Some Participants at the 2nd International Conference/Workshop on the Giant African Land Snails (NETGALS). Inset: Prof. Eruvbetine, presenting the plaque of honour to Prof. Osinowo (Left) while Prof. Odiete watches with keen interest.
A retired Professor of Zoology and Environment, Professor William Odiete, has identified climate change as an adverse environmental threat to the population of the Giant African Land Snails (GALS).
Prof. Odiete revealed this while delivering his keynote address at the 2nd International Conference/ Workshop on the Giant African Land Snails (NETGALS), tagged “Climate Change and Sustainable Giant African land Snails (GALS) Production”, in the University.
He pointed out that due to the climate change, deforestation, slash-and-burn agriculture, bush fires and collection of immature snails have been a major threat to the population of Giant African land Snails. To the rescue of GALS, the University don suggested an increase in the number of commercial GALS farms and formation of a National Snail Farmers Association, where members can meet and discuss problems facing the farming of snails and research development, to address various snail- related matters among others.
In her Welcome Address at the programme, the former Dean, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, Prof. Daisy Eruvbetine, noted that the research in Giant African Land Snail had been going on for a long time in Nigeria and other part of the world, though research commenced in the early 90’s in FUNAAB with students working on their projects with snails at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. She also informed that aside from the consumption of snails, they are used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries in some countries like South Africa.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olusola Oyewole, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Professor Felix Salako, called on participants to explore the historic city of Abeokuta where FUNAAB is located, especially as the state is presently undergoing massive infrastructural development.
The highpoint of the programme was the presentation of a Special Award to Prof. Olusegun Osinowo, Director, Institute of Food Security, Environmental Resources and Agricultural Research (IFSERAR), by NETGALS.
