The role of IPR on maize output in Zimbabwe

This paper seeks to ascertain the role of intellectual property rights (IPR) on Zimbabwe’s maize output. Specific focus is given to the role of article 27 of the Trade Related Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) agreement as well as the Convention of Biological Diversity (CBD) in influencing maize output in Zimbabwe. While there has been an appreciation of IPR legislation attracting investments, the Zimbabwean government has found no need of revisiting some of this legislation. This is demonstrated by how some of the pieces of legislation have been left idle for long periods of time. From theory, the availability and supply of maize seed influence farmer’s production decisions, which in turn reflect total output of maize. However output data of maize production for the period 1994 to 2008 seem not to support this assertion. The need for a grassroots founded framework model on intellectual property rights in maize production is long overdue for the country. Such a framework allows for a general direction that enables appropriate policies to be established in addressing challenges embedded within the current scenario. In the interest of local communities, it is necessary that indigenous farm knowledge and processes be protected as well.