Research Paper on:
Proposal for Improving Intellectual Property Laws in Nigeria to Aid the Plight of Local Farmers

Unformatted Sample Text from the Research Paper:
well as a potentially viable source of exports in order to aid with economic development. In Nigeria agriculture accounts for 18.1%  of the GDP but employs 70% of the population, making it a major industry in a country where 70% of the population live below the poverty line1 (CIA, 2009).  In this scenario there is a very apparent need improvement in efficiency in the way agriculture takes place. The role of intellectual property  is an important aspect of any consideration of the agricultural industry. For example, the Nigerian laboratories of the International Institute for Agricultural Research (IITA) developed a new type of maize,  one that is resistant to the parasite Striga, this resistance, along with a shorter maturation periods, 100 days, instead of 1152 days, have aided in significant increased in crop yields  for the farmers involved in the trials (Adelaja, 2009). Intellectual property rights have an impact on the way farmers are be able to access and use developments. It is  not only a matter of accessibility; it is also a matter of the need for development an innovation, without protection the development may not take place (Mintzberg et al, 2008).  A balance has to be achieved that can add value to the agricultural industry as a whole many of the current regimes see multinational corporations, mainly owned by developed nations,  exploiting the weaknesses of different conventions and regulatory frameworks, with little attention given to the needs of farmers in developing countries (Adi, 2006). The question is how the regimes  protecting intellectual property rights can be improved in an equitable manner that is ethical and fair manner that will aid the framers in Nigeria. 2. Aims and Objectives The