Analysis of Local Food Tourism and Its Contribution to Cultural Identity in Enugu State, South East Nigeria

This study analyses the role of local food tourism in preserving and projecting cultural identity in Enugu State, South East Nigeria. Food tourism has emerged globally as a powerful medium through which communities communicate cultural heritage to visitors, and the Igbo culinary tradition presents rich opportunities in this regard. The study adopts a descriptive research design with data collected from 160 domestic tourists, restaurant operators, and cultural stakeholders through a structured questionnaire and observational methods. Findings reveal that local dishes such as ofe onugbu, ji mmiri oku, and nkwobi are rated as highly attractive by tourists, with 68 percent reporting that food experiences significantly influenced overall trip satisfaction. However, limited formal packaging, inadequate hygiene standards in local eateries, and the absence of culinary tourism itineraries are identified as key constraints. The study recommends that Enugu State Tourism Board develop dedicated food tourism trails and partner with local chefs and cultural associations to standardise food presentation for tourists. Training programmes on food safety and hospitality are also suggested for small-scale food vendors operating near tourist sites. The findings underscore the strategic value of culinary heritage in Nigeria's broader tourism diversification agenda. Keywords: food tourism, cultural identity, Igbo cuisine, Enugu, culinary heritage