Genetic use restriction technologies and sustainable development in eastern and southern Africa

Abstract

This chapter examines the interface between genetic use restriction technologies (GURTS) and intellectual property rights (IPRs) on sustainable use of agro-biodiversity and food security in eastern and southern Africa (ESA). The role of IPRs in development and the arguments for and against GURTs are examined, including proposals for possible responses that ESA countries could consider to mitigate the potential adverse impacts of IPRs and GURTs on agriculture in the region. It is argued that both IPRs and GURTs allow control over the use of genetic materials, with differing modes of control. The former provide legal control over the use of genetic material whereas the latter provide technological control