SOCIO-CULTURAL DETERMINANTS OF PALM WINE CONSUMPTION AMONG RURAL HOUSEHOLDS IN ENUGU STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study examined socio-cultural determinants of palm wine consumption among rural households’ in Enugu State, Nigeria. Specifically, it ascertained the socio economic characteristics of rural households in the area, determined the quantity and expenditure on palm wine consumed by the rural households for socio cultural purposes, and ascertained the socio cultural and economic values of palm wine among rural households. Multi -stage, purposive and simple random sampling techniques were used in selecting one hundred and eighty rural households used for the study. Data were obtained with the use of structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics such as percentages, means, etc as well as Multiple regression inferential statistics. Findings of the study showed that male headed households (59.9%) were actively engaged in socio cultural uses of palm wine. Also, rural households were in their active age (46 years), majority (61.1%) of the rural households were married while 97.7% of the respondents had formal education. Monthly grand mean of 1011.87 litres of palm wine were consumed mounting to grand mean expenditure of N7409.5k. Furthermore, the regression coefficients of palm wine being used for being used for land related transactions (4.918), entertaining guests (-2.277), eyes treatment (-3.840), and being used for cultural festivals (-1.862) were all significantly related to rural households’ engagement in palm wine consumption at 5% alpha level. The study therefore rejected the null hypothesis and concluded that the afore mentioned significant explanatory variables were indeed the key socio cultural determinants of rural households’ levels of engagement in consumption of palm wine in the study area. It is thus recommended that research organizations should seek ways of adding value to the palm wine produce for diversified uses, increased revenue and longevity of produced to the rural households.