Production and marketing of wine from the palm tree Hyphaene petersiana Klotzsch ex mart. (Arecaceae) in Banhine National Park, Mozambique

The Banhine National Park (BNP) is a fully protected area, inhabited by 12,376 people from the interior and adjacent areas, in a universe of 2478 families, who depend on subsistence farming and palm wine extraction. Due to low income from agriculture, families resort to collecting Non-Timber Forest Products (PFNMs) for their survival. From the Hyphaene petersiana palm tree, they produce a traditional wine with the local name, utchema. In this study, we examined the local production and marketing of wine. Data were collected from 93 households, of which 81 are tappers and 12 retailers, through semi-structured interviews. The interviews were based on a mixed approach of qualitative-quantitative methods and direct observation, with the aid of standard forms with open and closed questions, about socio-demographic data and uses of the palm tree. The sap is collected from larger stems; each stem drips into a bottle and is collected two or three times a day for a period of one to two months, depending on each palm tree, until it stops gushing. The average annual net profit from palm wine sales was USD354 ± 21 per primary explorer and USD23 ± 34 per retailer. The Commercialization Index (CI) and the Dependency Level were influenced by the village of residence and years of schooling. The palm tree plays a fundamental role in the subsistence of local families and its use to date is considered sustainable. Therefore, inclusion in sectoral policies and conservation programs is suggested, in order to guarantee socioeconomic and environmental sustainability and contribute to achieving the goals of the Sustainable Development Goals.