The Raffia Palm Wine Sector and Socio-Economic Development in Ndu Sub-Division, North West Region, Cameroon

Abstract

: The raffia palm wine has yielded socio-economic benefits to raffia cultivating communities in Ndu Sub-Division. This paper argues that, though so far under-researched by economic historians, the palm wine sector has had an impact on the economic and socio-cultural life of the people of Ndu Sub-Division. In the same vein, this article also examines the production and sale of palm wine in the Ndu Sub-Division with much focus on the contribution of this sector to the development of the area. To attain the goals of the research, chronological and thematic methods were employed in collecting, analyzing and synthesizing data obtained from primary and secondary sources. The research findings show that since 1950, the palm wine sector was very vital in the socio-economic development of the Ndu Sub-Division despite the hurdles encountered. The study reveals that the palm wine sector greatly improved the living standards of three key stakeholders including the tappers, transporters/middlemen and the retailers who had direct contacts with consumers in the market. The tappers comprised more of older men, youths were mostly middlemen and mostly women were retailers at various palm wine joints. Women were not involved in tapping as it was perceived as a taboo to the culture of the people but women could visit tappers and assist in other functions aside from the art of tapping. The sector significantly reduced unemployment in that area as it created jobs for the people, acted as a key source of livelihoods and income-generating activities for many families .