Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
Table 4.2
Good Practice, Criticisms and Challenges of Kani Case
Good Practice
Criticisms
Challenges
Involving very poor rural
community spread over
wide geographical region in
decision-making
Ongoing development of more
transparent and democratic
mechanisms (improved
representation of Kani in
second agreement negotia-
tions; co-option of women to
trust executive committee to
improve gender balance)
Initial access to traditional
knowledge provided by indi-
viduals without community
consent
Late involvement of wider
Kani community in
decision-making
No initial role for Kani women
in trust decision-making
Generous, forward-looking
decisions by research leaders
involved
No diversification of prod-
ucts; Jeevani remains only
product based on Kani
traditional knowledge
Compliance: American prod-
ucts do not generate royal-
ties (Chaturvedi
2007
: 16)
Trust fund contributions to
community hall, local
employment and transport
improvements
General CBD challenge that
commodification is alleg-
edly not compatible with
sacredness of traditional
knowledge
One of few success cases of the
CBD to date that do gener-
ate income through benefit
sharing
Ensuring sustainable supply
of resources and guarding
against overharvesting
4.4 The Niprisan/Nicosan Case (Nigeria)
14
Sickle-cell disease is a genetic blood disorder affecting red blood cells. These cells
become sickle-shaped and have difficulty passing through smaller blood vessels,
resulting in damage to the tissue that cannot be reached. Approximately 70% of
sickle-cell disease patients (12 million people) live in Africa. Infant mortality from
the disease is around 8%, and the chance that babies who have inherited the disor-
der will survive to the age of five in rural areas is only 20% (Effiong
1982
).
Until recently, only palliative measures were available for affected patients.
Consequently, most died early from microbial infections or related complications.
Undoubtedly, sickle-cell disease is a major public health problem in sub-Saharan
Africa, where it is endemic. Those who survive early childhood mortality suffer
from cycles of excruciatingly painful crises, interrupted educational careers and
social discrimination.
14
The description of the Nigerian case is based on a report written by Prof. Charles Wambebe
for the GenBenefit project (Wambebe
2007
).
