National Policies and Legal Frameworks Governing Traditional Knowledge and Effective Intellectual Property Systems in Southern and Eastern Africa: The Case of Traditional Healers in Tanzania

"The study has explored the existing policy and legal frameworks and the community protection mechanisms of traditional knowledge in Tanzania. The major objective of the study was to build a body of knowledge in the area of protection of traditional knowledge in Tanzania. The study was conducted in two districts - Lushoto and Handeni of Tanga region with communities that are well known for their famous traditional medicines. The study has revealed that Tanzania has no comprehensive and appropriate mechanism for protection of rights arising out of use and or exploitation of Traditional Knowledge. The current legal framework do not provide for protection of TK. The study has also revealed that traditional medical services are being used by most people. It further revealed that protection mechanism among the community is mainly secrecy."