Cultural Influence of Local Food Heritage on Sustainable Development

Gladys Ogochukwu Chukwurah, Francis Ogochukwu Okeke (), Matthew Ogorchukwu Isimah, Evidence Chinedu Enoguanbhor, Foluso Charles Awe, Rosemary Chidimma Nnaemeka-Okeke, Shuang Guo, Ifeanyichukwu Valentine Nwafor and Chioma Angela Okeke
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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
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

World, 2025, vol. 6, issue 1, 1-27

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.

Keywords: cultural heritage; cultural values; enugu region; local food; sustainability (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: G15 G17 G18 L21 L22 L25 L26 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 R51 R52 R58 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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