Protection, Preservation and Promotion of Traditional Knowledge in Swaziland: A case of traditional Medicine

Abstract

This research study assessed the importance of traditional knowledge (TK) in Swaziland particularly in the health care sector in order to build a model that would ensure adequate protection, preservation and promotion. The research analysed laws and policies in place having a bearing on TK. It employed triangulation approach in the collection of data, wherein qualitative data was quantized and analysed qualitatively using IBM SPSS. The research was conducted in all the four administrative regions of the country. The population for the research comprised TK-holders, community leaders, policy makers, scientific researchers and members of staff from the Swaziland Intellectual Property Office. A random sampling method was used when sampling TK holders, community leaders and policy makers, while for researchers and members of staff from the country’s IP office, the research used a convenient sampling method, since the population was very small. The study established that currently there are no policies related to traditional knowledge or traditional medicines (TMs) in Swaziland though the country is in a process of domesticating provisions of the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing. The study noted that the absence of policy on TK is having serious implications on issues of protection and utilization of TKs in the country. The study recommends that the Government of Swaziland should form an Inter-ministerial body that should deal with the complexity of TK which cuts across different Ministries.