Alcohol Related Problems in Areas: A Case Study of Nairobi
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Date
2001-03
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Abstract
Alcohol has been present in Africa for long time, being part and parcel of its social
organisation at all levels. It indeed played an important socio-religious role in aspects
as significant as recreation and celebrations. Alcohol abuse also existed but it was
submitted to strong social control and therefore it was not an explicit problem as such.
Colonization brought about remarkable changes, for instance, urbanisation and the
introduction of the wage system. As a result, drinking patterns were absolutely
distorted after the breaking down of the tight social structure characteristic of the
African society. Strong beverages were also introduced and their consumption became
a symbol of emancipation from the cultural ties and a step into the 'new society'. The
production of alcohol beverages became thus a prominent economic activity, both in the
formal sector but especially in the informal one.
Rural-urban migration during the last three decades has overwhelmed the infrastructure
of urban centres, contributing to the mushrooming of shanty towns around the cities.
Survival in slums is a question of personal initiative and engagement in any type of
economic activity, mostly informal but also criminal ones. There has been an increase
in illicit production of alcoholic beverages as a means of livelihood for many and in
particular for women. In addition, this has been a contributing factor to the achievement
of a relative independence of women from the economic point of view. Related to this
is the adulteration of alcoholic beverages that are an immediate health hazard.
Unfortunately, alcohol abuse is on the rise, striking above all the poor at personal,
family and social levels. It is a fact that there is a kind of culture of desperation in the
slums. The intake of alcohol acts as a painkiller of the hopeless reality, indeed, the
opiate of the poor, to use Karl Marx' slogan.
The following study analyses the issue of alcohol-related problems in slum areas of
Nairobi. The research was carried out in Kawangware and Kianda (Kibera) slums. The first chapter gives the background of the study and the framework of the dimensions of
the issue at stake.
The second chapter presents the different social theories on alcohol abuse in Africa. It
also emphasizes how alcohol manufacture and abuse is a factor of poverty and of the
devaluation of an integrative worldview. It concludes with a section that focuses on the
pastoral approach to the problem.
The following chapter gives the methodology that was used in the research, that is,
which methods were used to collect the data and how it was analysed. Basically, two
types of questionnaires were used: one for those who abuse alcohol and the other for
those who manufacture or trade illegal brew.
The fourth chapter analyses the data according to the two types of questionnaires. It
presents the findings of the research in a critical manner and integrates the facts with the
literature review.
Recommendations and conclusions follow in Chapter Five. It also presents an analytic
framework that endeavours to give a cohesive picture of the problem from where
recommendations flow.
Finally. Chapter Six is a project proposal as a concrete implementation of the
recommendations outlined in the previous chapter. The project consists of a centre for
the promotion of recreational facilities, cultural values and employment in Kawangware
slum.
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Keywords
Alcohol, Slum, Alcohol abuse