The Consumption of Corn Wine and Palm Wine among the Ừki People -Center Region-Cameroon-within a Context of Globalization
This research aims to examine change that has occurred in the consumption of Corn Wine and Palm Wine within a context of Globalization among Uki people. Corn Wine and Palm Wine are traditional beverage among the Uki people as it is among many other Cultures in the world. The Objectives of this Research is to emphasize on the Cultural Practices surrounding the Consumption of Con Wine and Palm Wine, their health benefits, and the effects of globalization on their consumption among Uki peoples of Cameroon. The Research design is explorative using qualitative methods. An ethnography has provided Primary Data, through Interviews, Direct Observations, and Focus Groups Discussions. Secondary Data were provided by written Source and Internet. Indigenous Food Sovereignty theory, Globalization Theory, and other approaches have been exploited to understand facts. The Research results reveal that the natural environment favor existence of palm trees and corn farming; that fact explain why Corn Wine and Palm Wine, are considered traditional beverages and Culture Core that is Cultural elements that are fundamental among Uki people. The research reveals also that those beverages are Cash Crops, used for social and spiritual activities and have enormous health benefits, which could explain the good health and the longevity of Uki’s ancestors. Today, Globalization has allowed invasion and competition in local market as far as imported Drinks are concerned, that situation has caused the homogenization and hybridization of indigenous system of Drinks consumption as it is in the rest of the world and as consequence; the loss of nutrients values contended in corn wine and palm wine; the disappearance of indigenous knowledge about Consumption of Corn Wine and Palm Wine: The spay of imported drink has also led to increase of the Diseases of Development or un transmitted diseases; like Diabetes, Cancer, Obesity, etc,. According to Indigenous Food Sovereignty theory; Food sovereignty is the right of peoples to define their own healthy, culturally appropriate food systems using sustainable methods, putting control in the hands of local communities (farmers, fishers, indigenous peoples) rather than corporations, emphasizing local economies, ecological methods, and true access to resources like land, water, and seeds. Indigenous Food Sovereignty theory advocates for autonomy in food consumption, trade, and consumption, contrasting with corporate-controlled models, and promoting resilience against crises; The results reveals that natural Corn Wine and palm wine are full of healthy nutrients; that is why; some strategies should be put in place, for the revalorization of Palm wine and Corn Wine among Uki people and all over the world in other to preserve indigenous knowledge. According to the research, other species of Palm and Corn, like the blue and purple varieties of Corn, need to be introduced and propagated in Cameroon, for Plant pigments or colors contain natural nutrients and chemicals called phytonutrients, which carry much antioxidants than the local varieties yellow and white.

