“This paper has been prepared to contribute to the understanding of the operation of the Multilateral System of Access and Benefit Sharing (herein after referred to as the Multilateral System) and the opportunities it offers in promoting food security and sustainable agriculture. The paper traces the history and evolution of the Treaty and provides a synopsis of its major provisions. As a major focus, the paper examines the Multilateral System and its major implementing instrument – the Standard Material Transfer Agreement (SMTA) in the context of promoting food security and sustainable agriculture. The paper concludes with some observations and recommendations vital for understanding the Multilateral System and enabling countries to take maximum benefit of the system in promoting food security and sustainable agriculture.”
