Prospects for the Establishment of Kilombero Rice from Karonga District in Malawi as Geographical Indication Protection

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess and examine the prospects of establishment of Kilombero Rice from Karonga district in Malawian as a Geographical Indication. Kilombero Rice farmers lack protection from dishonest dealers who abuse them, deprive them of the benefits of Kilombero Rice, even as they fetch low prices for their rice at both the local and international market. It was argued that although the Government has put in place a GI law, it is not being implemented. Furthermore, the study noted that agriculture trading associations and companies that buy Kilombero Rice from Karonga rice schemes end up giving the rice a different brand resulting in counterfeit products being sold as KR from Karonga District. The study used Karonga district as geographical indication protection of KR growers. Quantitative research approach was utilized and qualitative data were collected in addition to rigorous literature review and analysis. Consequently, the study found that growers lost ownership of Kilombero Rice. The dissertation acknowledged significant progress made by government in putting in place GI legal framework to ensure farmers of Kilombero Rice in Karonga District are protected. The above notwithstanding more needs to be done to ensure enhanced sustainable rural development in Karonga District through the protection of Kilombero rice as a Geographical indication. Therefore, the research recommended that the Government of the Republic of Malawi ought to enforce the implementation of GI law to benefit growers of KR in order to ensure maximum benefits from Kilombero Rice. More significantly, rice schemes in Karonga District should have effective management structures which must be strengthened and essential agricultural production activities and services be devolved.