In Burundi, Residents Breed Snakes to Make Money

Following the harsh economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic around the world, people of Burundi have turned to a rare type of business to get back to a good financial standing.

This business is snake breeding and the breeders are edging a long time belief that snakes symbolize demons.

Deo Nzigiyimama, a snake breeder with about thirty snakes, said that the snakes are naturally harmless but they attack when threatened.

“A snake can only bite someone if it is provoked or if it is stepped on,” Nzigiyimama told Africanews. “Here at home, people don’t know its importance. They compare it to demons and kill them.”

The breeders largely regard snake breeding as a profitable but ignored business where they can earn as much as 600 euros.

The venture has also attracted tourists who visit private farms to see these snakes.

But it takes commitment such as being comfortable with the snakes and keeping them clean.

“We make bags and belts. When we collect the snakes from the forest, we put each one in its cage, we take care of their cleanliness. In Europe, a snake can cost 60 euros. If you have 100 heads, it’s a business,” Nzigiyimana further said.

“I am testifying because I have already seen the fruits of this breeding. I am pleading with the youths to start this business.”

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