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Cultural Influence of Local Food Heritage on Sustainable Development

Author

Listed:
  • Gladys Ogochukwu Chukwurah

    (Department of Urban and Regional Planning, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 410001, Nigeria)

  • Francis Ogochukwu Okeke

    (School of Engineering, Technology and Design, Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury CT1 1QU, UK
    Department of Architecture, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 410001, Nigeria)

  • Matthew Ogorchukwu Isimah

    (Department of Geography, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 410001, Nigeria)

  • Evidence Chinedu Enoguanbhor

    (Department of Geography, Humboldt University, 10117 Berlin, Germany)

  • Foluso Charles Awe

    (Department of Architecture, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Oye-Ekiti 370111, Nigeria)

  • Rosemary Chidimma Nnaemeka-Okeke

    (Department of Architecture, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 410001, Nigeria)

  • Shuang Guo

    (Christ Church Business School, Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury CT1 1QU, UK)

  • Ifeanyichukwu Valentine Nwafor

    (Department of Estate Management, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 410001, Nigeria)

  • Chioma Angela Okeke

    (GSL Education Kent, Canterbury CT2 7FG, UK)

Abstract

This article explores relations between cultural heritage and cultural values for sustainable development in the Enugu region. It discusses the potential to advance a cultural approach to sustainable development of regions by examining the cultural food heritage and relating it to cultural values. Based on empirical research, the article employed a mixed-methods approach to examine the relationship between the identified major local food heritage and cultural values for sustainable regional planning and development. The study examined primary data from 380 community elders, traders, and relevant institutions—including the Ministry of Arts and Culture and the Ministry of Agriculture—through interviews, participant observation, and questionnaires. Data were analyzed using SPSS and Pearson product–moment correlation. Findings identified eight local food heritages and six cultural values. The findings suggest that promoting and preserving local food heritage can be crucial in fostering sustainable cultural values and contributing to sustainable regional development. The local food had a statistically significant influence on cultural values. The Pearson correlation result ( p -value = 0.000) shows a strong correlation between the local food heritage and cultural values for sustainable regional planning and development. However, the study also identified several challenges threatening the sustainability of local food heritage in the region, including high costs, small-scale farming, insecurity, climate change, and poor transportation. The study recommends the development and implementation of comprehensive policies and programs that prioritize the preservation and promotion of local food heritage while addressing the identified challenges.

Suggested Citation

  • Gladys Ogochukwu Chukwurah & Francis Ogochukwu Okeke & Matthew Ogorchukwu Isimah & Evidence Chinedu Enoguanbhor & Foluso Charles Awe & Rosemary Chidimma Nnaemeka-Okeke & Shuang Guo & Ifeanyichukwu Val, 2025. "Cultural Influence of Local Food Heritage on Sustainable Development," World, MDPI, vol. 6(1), pages 1-27, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jworld:v:6:y:2025:i:1:p:10-:d:1561385
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Josep Espluga-Trenc & Laura Calvet-Mir & Daniel López-García & Marina Di Masso & Ariadna Pomar & Guillem Tendero, 2021. "Local Agri-Food Systems as a Cultural Heritage Strategy to Recover the Sustainability of Local Communities. Insights from the Spanish Case," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(11), pages 1-14, May.
    2. Dauro Mattia Zocchi & Michele Filippo Fontefrancesco & Paolo Corvo & Andrea Pieroni, 2021. "Recognising, Safeguarding, and Promoting Food Heritage: Challenges and Prospects for the Future of Sustainable Food Systems," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(17), pages 1-21, August.
    3. Rike Sitas, 2020. "Cultural policy and just cities in Africa," City, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 24(3-4), pages 473-492, July.
    4. Dauro M. Zocchi & Naji Sulaiman & Julia Prakofjewa & Renata Sõukand & Andrea Pieroni, 2024. "Local Wild Food Plants and Food Products in a Multi-Cultural Region: An Exploratory Study among Diverse Ethnic Groups in Bessarabia, Southern Moldova," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(5), pages 1-35, February.
    5. Bamidele, Seun & Erameh, Nicholas Idris, 2023. "Environmental degradation and sustainable peace dialogue in the Niger delta region of Nigeria," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 80(C).
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