Assessment of the Socio-Economic Impacts Associated with the Arrival of Apple Snail ( Pomacea canaliculata ) in Mwea Irrigation Scheme, Kenya

The arrival of apple snail (Pomacea canaliculata) in rice-growing regions of East and South-east Asia has had serious consequences for agricultural yields, livelihoods, biodiversity, natural ecosystems, and human health. In Kenya, rice is mainly produced by smallholder farmers, with most of the production in Mwea Irrigation Scheme (MIS) located in Kirinyaga County, where it is a main income and revenue source. In 2020, P. canaliculata was identified in MIS, this was the first record of the species in Kenya. This could now present a serious threat to rice-growing in Kenya and other rice-growing countries in Africa. Management of P. canaliculata in MIS includes chemical pesticides, along with physical removal of egg masses and snails, both of which have cost implications and therefore an effect on net income for farmers.