The Socio-Cultural and Economic Contributions of Traditional Alcoholic Drinks in Sufankara Kebele, Eastern Dembia Woreda, Central Gondar Zone

Abstract

Traditional alcoholic drinks are homemade produced commonly at local level it is a part of human culture which is used to religious and non- religious ceremonies. This study investigates the socio cultural and economic contributions of traditional alcoholic drinks with specific emphasis on 'tella' and 'areki ' in Sufankara kebele, Eastern Dembia woreda, North West Ethiopia. The researcher used qualitative research method with ethnographic design to collect primary data. The primary data were collected from women traditional alcoholic drink sellers, local elders and local farmers in the study area. Semi structured interviews, key informant interviews, focus group discussions and participant observation were used as method of obtaining data which were finally analyzed thematically. The study explores the different contributions of traditional alcoholic drinks in socio-cultural and economic aspects. For instances, local alcoholic drinks are the main social cultural tools that can create smooth social relationship among community members. In addition, the study show that local alcoholic drinks have a vital role in selling purpose that help rural poor women as primary livelihood means and to fulfill their wants and needs. Moreover, selling of traditional alcoholic drinks was important for rural poor women to improve their living along with their agricultural produces. The study further reveals the perception of the local community about local alcoholic drinks. Accordingly, the informants thought that traditional alcoholic drinks are necessary for their everyday activities and such alcoholic drinks have their own meaning attached in conflict resolution and marriage arrangement. In general, traditional alcoholic drinks have several socio-cultural and economic roles in the local community. Tella and areki are the main social tools that facilitate strong social relationship among community members in different socio cultural organizing events such as for resolving disputes, communal work, and enjoy leisure time and for communal celebratory occasions. In addition, selling of local alcoholic drinks has a crucial role for rural poor women to make their living, to support their primary income sources and for reducing the economic hardship. For women local alcoholic drink sellers expected government institutions like Technical vocational and enterprises development bureau allow financial credit to expand their work and they acquire more profit,