The traditional entrepreneurship of home brewing and illicit distillation in Zimbabwe

Consumption of home-brewed alcoholic beverages and illicit distillates throughout Zimbabwe has reached alarming proportions. The major reason for the increase is that some Zimbabweans cannot afford the cost of commercial beers. This study set out to investigate the home brewing and illicit distilling processes, the raw materials, type of water, utensils and equipment used in the processes. The study also investigated the possibility of equipment leaching into solution, the potency and possible toxic properties of the final products through elemental and alcohol content analysis. Some comparisons were made with orthodox brews and distillates. Services of a credible and competent laboratory were engaged to conduct analyses. In order to justify the study, surveys and collection of brew and distillate samples were carried out at random and from various parts of Zimbabwe. An analysis of this kind was considered to be of great clinical importance as the data obtained was compared with safe limits for human consumption. This study was also expected to contribute vital information on consumers, impacts and medical risks, and the need for either review or reform of the applicable legislation. The expected significant benefit of this research was the provision of additional knowledge to facilitate containment of the adverse effects of home brewing and illicit distillation.