The history and development of brewing and the beer industry in Africa

Abstract

The brewing and beer industry in Africa dates back to ancient times and has gone through numerous changes over the centuries (Haggblade and Holzafel, 2004; Obot, 2013; Willis, 2006). The industry can be defined as the process, types and contexts of beer production, distribution and consumption. Van Wolputte and Fumanti (2010, p.12) noted that beer is not a single drink but implies many things serving as a "general denominator that covers a wide range of beverages, from nutritious gruels to industrial brews." Beer production and consumption have historically been integral to the fabric of the socio-economic lives of the people in the sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) region (Obot, 2006; WHO, 2014). It is also suggested to have played a vital role in the more recent political past of the African region (Van Wolputte and Fumanti, 2010). Accordingly, beer was produced by women mainly for the senior aged male groups to drink either at home, in groups or at special occasions (Haggblade and Holzafel, 2004; Willis, 2006).