Comprehensive Analysis of the Factors Driving the Decline in Palm Wine Production in Southeastern Nigeria

Udeh S.O; Udeh V.N; Chime A.C

doi:10.56201/ijaes.vol.12.no5.2026.pg162.171

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Comprehensive Analysis of the Factors Driving the Decline in Palm Wine Production in Southeastern Nigeria

Udeh S.O, Udeh V.N, Chime A.C

Abstract

This study decisively evaluates the critical factors affecting palm wine production in Southeastern Nigeria. Utilizing structured questionnaires and comprehensive interview schedules, essential information has been gathered regarding the socio-economic characteristics of palm wine tappers and identified the key drivers behind the decline in production within the region. Conduction of a thorough analysis of 480 palm wine tappers randomly selected from three distinguished communities renowned for their palm wine production across five local government areas in Southeastern Nigeria were achieved. The data collected were rigorously analyzed using descriptive statistical methods, including frequency and percentage calculations. The results unequivocally demonstrate that a significant majority (93.3%) of the tappers are male, with 54.4% possessing only primary education. Additionally, 67.5% are married, and a substantial proportion (63.7%) are aged 45 years and older. Importantly, 49.2% of the tappers have amassed more than 21 years of experience in tapping, while 34.6% harvest only 1 to 5 liters of palm wine daily. Findings clearly identify several major challenges confronting tappers in the region, which include extreme weather conditions (100%), price fluctuations (96.7%), inadequate storage facilities (55.0%), high transportation costs (65.0%), aging and deforestation of palm trees (99.6%), threats from palm tree-based reptiles and bees (60.6%), and significant security issues (99.4%). In light of these findings, it is imperative that local governments take decisive action to promote palm wine production as a critical economic opportunity for unemployed youth. This initiative will not only provide sustainable livelihoods but also effectively divert young people from involvement in social vices, thereby driving economic and social progress in Southeastern Nigeria.

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Comprehensive Analysis of the Factors Driving the Decline in Palm Wine Production in Southeastern Nigeria

Abstract

References

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