Palm wine is a white liquor or sap containing sugar and normally alcoholic in nature tapped from the different species of Raphia palm. Its production is mostly done by individuals and indigenous people as a skilled activity. Different regions of the world (Africa, Asia, Caribbean, South America) have different common names of palm wine for example; matango,mbuh, white stuff in Cameroon, emu, nkwu,ogogoro as in Nigeria, poyo in Sierra Leone, nsamba in DRC, Manjenvo in Cbind, Angola, nsafufuo in Ghana, Toddy in Malaysia etc.
However, this plant is mostly found in wetland areas or swamps since they strive well mostly in water log areas but is seriously under threats as most of these areas are gradually been reclaimed for construction purposes irrespective ratified International conventions protecting them.
Nonetheless, as earlier mentioned palm wine tapping is mostly done by small holders and individuals who are elderly persons. This simply because the activity requires a lot of patience and is time demanding especially early morning collection of the ready wine and preparation of containers in the evening. It will also promote conservation as Raphia palms serves as a source of livelihood to the local communities and individuals.
The sap is eventually collected by the tapper, mostly very early in the morning of the following day. It is used on different occasions in Africa such as traditional marriages, death celebrations, marketed in palm wine clubs, consumed in private homes.
During traditional marriages in Africa, the suitor or groom upon visiting his would be in-laws takes along a jug or crate of palm wine and kola nuts accompanied by his family to the brides home. After self introduction of the groom’s family their intentions are thus declared and gifts presented. This is normally the happiest moments in the concerned family and should the bride accepts, palm wine is then poured into a traditional cup or glass and given to the bride to drink and then share with her suitor. Immediately she does so, it implies acceptance and unionism, a list of items are given to the groom’s family still with palm inclusive thus signifying its importance. Thus some authors have often written, he who bring palm wine and Kola nuts brings life(The crown of Thorns by Asong Linus, Things Fall Apart by, Chinua Achebe).
For death celebrations , the concerned can normally buy palm wine before the occasion and some is got as gifts from friends, relatives and sympathizers and some is used to entertain guests. As the celebration unfolds, traditional some is given to traditional masquerades accompanied by other items such as salt, chicken,etc, as well as during traditional liabations thus its role in African culture. However, this activity is risky and accidents are bound especially in situations where some palm tree varieties grow so tall and involves the tapper to climb before tapping.
Alternatively, individuals and families also sale this product in matango clubs which serves as a source of income thus improving on their livelihoods, thus a need to jointly contribute in conserving this plant else we may not palm wine to perform our traditional rites in a few decades to com.