[en] The study aims to fill a research gap by analyzing the consumption patterns of
traditional beers in rural areas of Rwanda, with a specific focus on how sociodemographic characteristics influence the prevalence of alcohol use, regional
dominance, and preferences. It was conducted in four districts in Rwanda: Gisagara,
Gicumbi, Kirehe and Rusizi, serving as the intervention study area. Data were
collected in 2023 from 107 consumers, and various statistical tests were applied to
generate insights into the consumption of traditional beer patterns across regions.
The analysis took into account various socio-demographic aspects, including
gender, age, age of first alcohol use and formal education levels, to understand
patterns and differences in the consumption of traditional alcoholic beverages.
Generally, the findings revealed significant differences in the consumption of
traditional beer within rural communities throughout the study’s four districts. In
particular, statistically significant differences between males and females were noted
in the consumption of banana beer. However, these variations were not statistically
significant in sorghum beer, suggesting a more balanced consumption between
sexes. Regarding the prevalence, the results indicated that middle-aged males are
predominant consumers of traditional beers, especially those without or with a low
level of formal education, such as completed only primary school. Early initiation into
traditional beer consumption is still common and may contribute to alcohol use in
adulthood, despite the current legal restrictions. Gicumbi remains the district with the
highest consumption of sorghum beer, which reflects local preferences and brewing
traditions. In contrast, Gisagara and Kirehe report the highest levels of banana beer
consumption, highlighting the cultural and economic significance of banana-based
beer in these two districts. These findings underscore the regional dominance and
preferences for specific types of traditional beer. Recognizing these patterns could
be essential for tailoring interventions that are health-related, economic, social and
regulatory-centred perspectives, that aim to promote communities’ well-being in rural
areas.
Disciplines :
Life sciences: Multidisciplinary, general & others
Author, co-author :
Nsabimana, Straton ; Université de Liège - ULiège > TERRA Research Centre > Modélisation et développement
Rwirahira, Ruhorera John ; Université de Liège - ULiège > TERRA Research Centre > Modélisation et développement
Lumugabe, Francois; UR - University of Rwanda > College of Science and Technology
Musabanganji Edouard; UR - University of Rwanda > College of Business and Economics
Burny, Philippe ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département GxABT > Modélisation et développement ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Sciences agronomiques > Economie et développement rural
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