Promotion of Plant Breeders’ Rights to Support the Sustainable Agricultural Development in Zimbabwe

Abstract

The research sought to determine the effects of promoting plant breeders’ rights to support sustainable agriculture development in Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe was chosen because among other leading countries, it is also leading in updating and acceding to Intellectual Property international treaties among member states of the African Regional Intellectual Property Organisation (ARIPO), yet it is experiencing unsustainable agricultural production levels. A convenience sample of 40 respondents was chosen, consisting of officers from, farmers’ union, plant breeders, research institutions and Ministry of Agriculture. Survey data was analysed using descriptive statistics and factor analysis. The objectives of study were to determine the level of plant breeders’ rights, the effects of plant breeders’ rights, the extent to which promotion of plant breeders’ rights lead to sustainable development, evaluation of necessary procedures for formulating intellectual property in the agriculture sector and the level of implementation and management of plant breeders’ rights in the agriculture sector. The researcher used questionnaires and personal interviews to gather data, to answer research objectives and research questions. The researcher carried out an exploratory research process complemented by descriptive research process and cross-sectional study to answer the research questions and research objectives. Data obtained was presented in the form of tables, graphs, and pie charts. The findings point to the conclusion that plant breeders’ rights awareness is high (100%) has positive effect (80%) a high impact (93.5%) and has slightly above average rating at (58.8%) pointing to the conclusion that the implementation and management of plant breeders’ rights is slightly above average. Hence the researcher also recommends stakeholder involvement in innovation issues aimed at getting commitment of every key stakeholder the agriculture sector. The researcher finally, went on to recommend, cascading innovative approach, to innovation and development of IP policy to support sustainable agriculture development in Zimbabwe.