RBS celebrated the World Standards Day 2013€¦ · 39. RBS Performed Verification of Fuel Dispensers for Phase one (from July -December 2013) 41. Substandard Water Meters on the

NewsletterRWANDA BUREAU OF STANDARDS

Special Edition January - March 2014

P,O Box 7099 Kigali-Rwanda Tel: +250 586 1003 Fax: +250 583 305 Website: www.rwanda-standards.orgE-mail: [email protected]

RBS celebrated the World Standards Day 2013Theme: “Standards to Ensure Positive Change and Safe Infrastructure”

Suppo rt ed bySupported by

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Vision The vision of RBS is to be a trusted party in providing internationally recognized and customer suited standardization services.

Mission To provide standards based solutions for Consumer Protection and Trade promotion for socio-economic growth in a safe and stable environment.

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4. Foreword

5. RBS Celebrated Worlds Standards Day on 28th November 2013

6. Rs ISO 9004:2009: a Sustainable Solution to Managerial Challenges Encountered by Businesses in Rwanda Today.

8. Safe Drinking Water is a Human Right

9. Characteristics of Quality DrinkingWater

11. Standards of Mechanization and Irrigation, Postharvest handling of Grains and pulses validated! 16. Seeds and Planting Materials Harmonized Standards in the Promotion of Agricultural Productivity in the East African Community

18. Good Agriculture Practice in Sustainable Coffee Production

20. Life Cycle Thinking Introduced In Rwanda

21. Recycling a Green Environmental Technology

26. Announcement

29. Get to Know the Dangers of Mycotoxins in Food and Feeds

33. MostMicrobesareEconomicallyBeneficialOrganisms

34. Analysis of Quality of Rwanda ‘s Essential Oils Through our Facilities

36. CertifiedandRe-CertifiedProductsfromJuly-December2013

38. Calibration of Hospital Equipment to Ensure Accurate Measurements

39. RBSPerformedVerificationofFuelDispensersforPhaseone(fromJuly-December2013)

41. Substandard Water Meters on the Market

42. GoodsRejectedfromJulytoDecember2013

44. SmallandMediumEnterprises(SMEs),ImportantPillarsforthe National Economy

Contents In side this issue ...

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FOREWORD

Dr. Mark Cyubahiro BagabeDirector General

Dear Readers,

Welcome to the special edition of the RBS Newsletter. It highlights achievements on standardization and conformity

assessment from July to December 2013. The highlights over the past five months include cel-ebration of World Standards Day whose theme was “Standards to ensure positive change and safe infrastructure”. In line with this theme, RBS embarked on raising awareness among different contractors from identified construction sites on compulsory construction standards, with the objective of improving safety on the structures.

During the same period, RBS offered training to different stakeholders covering a wide range of products and services including, Quality Man-agement Systems, Auditing and Inspection skills, Food Safety and Hygiene as well on cus-tomer satisfaction standards. In a bid, to widen the scope of services, a number of calibration and testing laboratories were established dur-ing the past six months including Water Meters Calibration, Essential Oils, Antibiotics Residues and Illegal dyes Laboratories. Mycotoxins, food contaminant fungal toxins laboratory was also upgraded by acquiring new testing equipment with higher scope. Not only will the new scope improve on the assurance of health and safety. The expansion will also improve Doing Business in Rwanda through provision of services such as testing ochratoxins in coffee which would have otherwise been sought outside Rwanda at a higher financial cost and transaction times taken.

To assure accuracy of measurements of safety of services provided by hospitals and hotels, RBS Metrology Services focused on calibration and verification of the equipment in hospitals and hotels. Hospital equipment in 82 district hospitals in Eastern Province were verified and calibrated for accurate measurements purposes. Equipments such as Deep Freezers and Cold Rooms in 49 hotels in Kigali were calibrated. On legal metrology side, to guarantee fair trade, 821

fuel dispensing pump nozzles, spread across the country were verified and calibrated. Certifica-tion and re-certification of Rwanda made prod-ucts covered 16 new products and 12 products were re-recertified totalling to 28 products certi-fied from July to December 2013. The products include water tanks, millet flour, roofing sheets, water, assorted fruit based soft drinks, beer and biscuits.

After producing Hard Copy of this Newsletter for the past four years, RBS Management decided that we migrate to e-newsletter which is more eco-friendly, faster and easily accessible and at low costs for RBS.

I hope that you will enjoy reading this issue as you update yourself on standardization and conformity assessment developments in Rwan-da. Let me conclude this last Hard Print News-letter with appreciation of our good collabora-tion, wishing you a Prosperous New Year 2014.

World Standards Day is celebrated every year on 14th October to pay tribute to the efforts of thousands of experts in-

volved in the development of standards. This day has become an opportunity to raise awareness among the public, consumers, researchers, pro-ducers and regulators.

Various activities are therefore globally organized on country level by National Standards Bodies around a central theme. This year, ISO proposed the theme that “International Standards lead to positive changes”.The Rationale and the meaning of this year’s theme Considering today’s world’s ever-increasing com-petition for resources and markets, none can com-fortably ignore the importance of standards when viewed in the light of quality, safety, environment and business profitability.

International standards for products and services underpin quality, safety, reliability, interoperability and much more. In fact, international standards specifications and requirements enable different manufacturers to offer products or services that are compatible globally and which be safely fitted and used together with confidence by the user. In this context, Standards are, thus, powerful tools for an organization in the sense that when adopted as part of a Quality culture, can lead to positive changes because standards detail specifications and requirements which, once met, can open up global markets, create enabling business environ-ment, spur economic growth and help mitigate and adapt to climate change.

Today, Rwanda needs to explore all practicable venues to reach many of its EDPRS-2 goals which are all about achieving economic transformation for her people. One of the ways these goals will be achieved is through increasing the export base of its products and services. This will require local companies gain and maintain a strong presence on international markets. Such presence will nec-essarily oblige these organizations to offer quality products and services, produced using interna-tional standards.

Taking into consideration that standardization activities are not yet entrenched in the practices of Rwandans, educating and raising awareness among local contractors on construction man-datory standards was the strategy that was em-braced. In fact, this year’s World Standard Day was an opportunity for Rwanda Bureau of Standards to get even closer to Rwandans to educate them on the importance of adopting mandatory standards to widen their business opportunities.

At a national level, the World Standards Day was celebrated on 28th November 2013 with the theme: “Standards to Ensure Positive Change and Safe Infrastructure”. Prior to the event Rwan-da Bureau of Standards as a full member of ISO organized different activities including verifica-tion inspection for safety standards compliance of identified construction sites, education and awareness of local contractors on construction mandatory standards. This activity created aware-ness on mandatory construction standards that were recently approved by the cabinet.

The event took place at Lemigo hotel and it was attended by different stakeholders from Govern-ment Institutions, International Organizations, Ac-ademia, Industries, Private Companies, SME’s and Technical Committee Members.

RBS Celebrated Worlds Standards Day on 28th November 2013

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Organizations around the world strive to put in place a management system that will enable their businesses to last much

longer, and hence making it possible to bring about reputation and trust within the business environment in which they operate. However, the majority are not successful make it due to the poor management systems in place.

It is essential to know that the most famous and reputable business organizations that have lasted for so many years on the market, and still keep that standing now, have been those that strived to manage both their operations and processes in such a sustainable way. This has finally enabled them to consistently meet the needs and expectations of their customers.

For example, the continued success of Bralirwa, which has been the leading brewer in Rwanda for the last decades, is fundamentally linked to its ability to successfully deliver its sustainability agenda.

For that reason, it is necessary to reveal the broader meaning of sustained success, how it can be achieved, and the extent to which the RS ISO 9004:2009 Standard can help addressing managerial challenges encountered by busi-nesses in Rwanda today.

What is sustained success?The sustained success of an organization is the result of its ability to achieve and maintain its objectives in the long-term. The achievement of sustained success for any organization is a com-plex and demanding challenge.Actually, any organization achieving success is a great step forward, but sustaining that level of success in this dynamic and ever changing busi-ness environment is yet another challenge for businesses around the globe.

How can sustained success be achieved?The sustained success of an organization can be achieved by its ability:• Tomeettheneedsandexpectationsof

Rs ISO 9004:2009: a Sustainable Solution to Managerial Challenges Encountered by Businesses in Rwanda

Today.

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its customers and other interested par ties in a balanced way over the long term; and

• Theeffectivemanagementoftheorga nization, through awareness of the orga nization’s environment, by learning, and by the appropriate application of ei ther improvements, or innovations, or both.

How can the RS ISO 9004:2009 Standard help?Compared to ISO 9001:2008, which ensures quality management of products and services and enhances customer satisfaction, RS ISO 9004:2009 provides a broader perspective of quality management, particularly for perfor-mance improvement. It will prove useful to or-ganizations whose top management wishes to move beyond ISO 9001. In pursuit of ongoing improvement, measured through the satisfac-tion of customers and other stakeholders;

• Itspecifiesgeneralrequirementsfor businesses that wish to embrace management for sustainability.• Itwillprovideyourorganizationwith guidance and support to achieve sustained success in today’s complex, demanding, and ever-changing busi ness environment by a quality manage ment approach. It can be used by any organization, regardless of size, type and activity. • Itpromotesself-assessmentasanimpor tant tool for the review of the maturity

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level of your organization. It covers lead ership, strategy, management system, resources and processes, to identify ar eas of strength and weakness and op portunities for improvements and inno vations. • Itprovidesawiderfocusonqualityman agement than ISO 9001. It addresses the needs and expectations of all relevant interested parties over the long term, and in a balanced way. RS ISO 9004 pro vides guidance for the systematic and continual improvement of your organi zation’s overall performance.

So, if you have ever dreamed of your business growing to the extent of being enlisted among the most successful and famous companies rec-ognized both nationally, regionally and globally, and have ever wondered how you can manage your organization in such a sustainable way, then RS ISO 9004:2009 Managing is suitable for the sustained success of an organization. A qual-ity management approach could be the sustain-able solution to all managerial issues faced by your business today.Moreover, if you still wonder how you could start applying quality management principles to gain competitive advantages for your business such as achieving your company’s reputation, win-ning customer loyalty, and boosting your orga-nization’s economic endurance. You only need to grab this ultimate opportunity that RS ISO 9004:2009 has to offer. It maps out the business’ path forward to “its sustained success”, and its long -term purpose is to ensure the economic survival of your organization.

Prepared by;Vicent NkundimanaService Standards Officer

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Safe Drinking Water is a Human Right

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The provision of safe and quality drinking-water is high priority for human health. Consumers have no means of judging the

safety of their drinking-water themselves. Wa-ter Producers have a challenge of ensuring the quality and safety of water they provide. Regula-tors are required to establish health-based tar-gets that must be met by water operators.

It is in this context that the following standards have been developed by EASC/TC 075 on En-vironment, Health and Safety coordinated by Rwanda at EAC level to facilitate trade for goods and ensure good health and safety of citizen in the region.

• EAS153PackagedDrinkingWater• EAS13PackagedNaturalMineralWater• EAS12PotableWater

East African Standards provide regional solu-tions and set harmonized technology and termi-nology and offer good practice, allowing water industry in the region to comply with required standards. This will build the confidence of con-sumers, avoid complaints and, more impor-tantly, prevent consumers from the use of water from sources that may be unsafe.

These standards set minimum requirements for physical, chemicals and microbiological charac-teristics that affect safety and quality drinking water. The use of these standards is expected to ensure provision of safe and quality water for human consumption. The standards provide for the provision of safe water through water safe-ty plans, surveillance and monitoring of water sources.

Crucial issues include among others:• Definitionsofterms• Limitofacceptabilityofwaterquality (pH,Cu,Mn,...)• Transportofnaturalmineralwater A final review and editing meeting was held in Kigali, Rwanda at La Palisse Ho-

tel from 17 -20 December 2013 and attended by Standardization and Water experts from EAC Partner States. Definitions of terms and limit of acceptability of water quality were addressed and WHO Guidelines and CODEX Alimentarius were referenced and customized to regional situation.

For transport of natural mineral water, it was agreed that the preferred practice is to package drinking water at source to avoid potential con-tamination and cheating of some operators in using non natural mineral water. However, each partner state will set its own regulation about the transport of this precious product taking into account the use of appropriate containers.According to the EAC Principles and Procedures on developing regional standards, the next step is to circulate the discussed final draft standards (FDRS) for balloting in each Partner States in East African Community. Prepared byBy Raymond MURENZIStandards Lead Environmental Officer

Characteristics of Quality DrinkingWater

Water is generally a colorless, transparent, odor-less and tasteless liquid that forms seas, lakes, riv-ers, and rain. The name water refers to the liquid state. However in nature; water exists in liquid, solid, and gaseous states. Water is surely essen-tial for most plant and animal life and is the most widely used of all solvents. However, it needs to be fit for either consumption or use.

What is Drinking Water?Drinking water or potable water itself is water safe enough to be consumed by humans or used with low risk of immediate or long term harm. According to their source and purifica-tion, drinking water is typically mineral, purified, sparkled or, bottled water, etc.Statistics have shown that large parts of our country still have inadequate access to po-table water. Drinking or using such water in food preparation from sources contaminated with disease vectors, pathogene or unaccept-able levels of toxins or suspended solids leads to widespread acute and chronic illnesses and

even death. It is in this regard that Rwanda Bureau of Stan-dards (RBS) through National Quality Testing Laboratories (NQTL) carry out tests on drinking water to ensure its safety for consumption and usage

What parameters do RBS Laboratories test and why?Parameters for drinking water quality typically fall under three categories: Physical, Chemical and Microbiological:Physical parameters such as turbidity, Total Dis-solved solids (TDS), Electrical Conductivity and chemical parameters include inorganic mineral such as Heavy metals, trace compounds, pH, Sulfates and Chlorides. While Microbiological parameters include Co-liform bacteria, E. coli, and specific pathogenic species of bacteria (such as cholera-causing Vib-rio cholerae),etc…Furthermore, there are a variety of trace ele-ments present in virtually all potable water,

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some of which play a role in metabolism. For example sodium, potassium and chloride are common chemicals found in small quantities in most waters, and these elements play a role in body metabolism. Other elements such as fluo-ride, while beneficial in low concentrations, can cause dental problems and other issues if pres-ent at high levels.

RBS laboratories are efficient and able to carry out water test analysis for a number of crucial parameters mentioned above in order to ensure that minimum requirements are fulfilled accord-ing to nationally established Standards.

What about Water pH, TDS, Electrical Conduc-tivity and Turbidity?pH is a measure of the level of activity of hydro-gen ions in a solution, resulting in its acidic or basic quality. Its range varies commonly from 0 (acidic) to 14 (basic), with 7 being neutral. Each organism is adapted to a specific pH range. The pH in most rivers unaffected by humans ranges from 6.5 to 8.5 at 25oC.Low pH affects physiological functions of organ-isms through the reduction of enzyme activity and effectiveness.

Total dissolved solids (TDS)TDS is a measure of the amount of dissolved materials in the water. Ions such as potassium, sodium, chloride, carbonate, sulfate, calcium, and magnesium all contribute to the dissolved solids in the water. In many instances resource agencies use the terms TDS and salinity inter-changeably, since these ions are typically in the form of salts. Measuring total dissolved solids is

a way to estimate the suitability of drinking wa-ter. This is an important parameter for drinking water because high TDS values may result in a ‘salty’ taste to the water. Groundwater often has higher levels of dissolved solids than surface wa-ter because of its contact with aquifer geologic material and more time to dissolve rock and mineral materials.

Electrical conductivity This is the ability of a substance to conduct an electrical current. It is normally ions presence that gives water its ability to conduct electric-ity. Conductivity is an indicator of the amount of dissolved salts. Conductivity often is used to es-timate the amount of total dissolved solids (TDS) rather than measuring each dissolved constitu-ent separately.

Turbidity Turbidity of water is clarity or the ability of light to pass through water. It is an optical property and a measure of the amount of particulate mat-ter and dissolved color that is suspended in wa-ter. Water that has high turbidity appears cloudy or opaque. High turbidity can cause increased water temperatures because suspended par-ticles absorb more heat and can also reduce the amount of light penetrating the water.Consumers are advised to first ensure that they are using/consuming water that complies with standards.

Prepared byAlly Clair HARERIMANA,Inorganic Chemistry Section, NQTL

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Standards of Mechanization and Irrigation, Postharvest handling of Grains and pulses validated!

Food Security is one of the major priorities of the Government of Rwanda and as we all know, it is not only the production of

enough quantity that defines food security but also safety and minimization of losses are para-mount.

In this regards, the government of Rwanda re-ceived funds from the Netherlands Embassy in Rwanda to finance a programme related to food safety and food security whereby Rwanda Bu-reau of Standards benefited from the fund and, as a result, a portion of the fund was dedicated to the consultancy on development of stan-dards for mechanization & irrigation, and post-harvest handling of grains and pulses.

The aim was to come up with standards, regu-lations and training manual that would help in-crease the quantity, the quality as well as safety. Therefore, Standards to cover mechanization machineries and implements, irrigation equip-ments and guidelines to minimize losses and ensure safety that occurs during the postharvest process was the main priority. However it is ex-

tremely important to recognize that a standard is always a voluntary document until it is de-clared mandatory or it is enforced by a relevant regulation.

Standards are important benchmarks for any Sector to grow and facilitate related trade, be-cause they set minimum quality requirements for the products, guidelines on achieving the re-quired quality, testing procedures and marking. Therefore, Agricultural Sector, as one of the main pillars of the EDPRS II has to be backed by tech-nology and best practices so as to replace the old way of cultivation that would not contribute to achieve the expected agricultural produce both in quantity and quality as well as in safety.

The RBS chose to support this strategic plan by availing required Standards of mechanization & irrigation, and handling of grains and pulses. However standards alone are not enough, there is need for enforcement and training for stan-dards enforcers and farmers. This was the rea-soning behind the developed draft technical regulations/ministerial instructions and training

Stakeholders during validation workshop at Lemigo Hotel on 27th December 2013 11

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manuals; as a result, the consultants were re-quested to come up with a draft training manu-als which encompassed required minimum knowledge because lack of adequate training for farmers and elaborated trainings through which farmers could get to know the standards requirements, good practices to follow which are very important in order to ensure safety, and technical knowhow regarding the operation, maintenance and repair of agricultural machin-eries was found to be a big challenge.From 17th to 19th December 2013, Technical Committee members who generally come from

all major stakeholders in Agriculture Sector as well as TC members on Mechanical Engineer-ing and Metallurgy gathered at Hotel la Palisse Nyandungu and discussed the draft standards which in turn were validated during a one day validation workshop at Hotel Lemigo on 27th December 2013. Major stakeholders who were present include MINAGRI, Rwanda Agriculture Board(RAB), National taskforce on Mechaniza-tion, National taskforce on Postharvest, repre-sentatives of the private sector mainly manufac-turers and importers, JICA, Kicukiro College of Technology and MINICOM.

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The standards below were validated and are due for comments from the public

1. POWER TILLER

2. AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY – TECHNICAL MEANS FOR ENSURING SAFETY

3. LEVER OPERATED KNAPSACK SPRAYER

4. FOUR-WHEEL TRACTOR

5. DISC HARROW

6. DISC PLOW

7. SEEDER AND PLANTER

8. SMALL ENGINE

9. METHOD OF TEST - POWER TILLER

10. METHOD OF TEST – LEVER OPERATED KNAPSACK SPRAYER

11. METHOD OF TEST – CENTRIFUGAL PUMP

12. METHOD OF TEST – FOUR WHEEL TRACTOR

13. HITCH FOR WALKING-TYPE AGRICULTURAL TRACTOR

14. CLUTCHES, COUPLINGS, AND SPLINES FOR AGRICULTURAL MACHINES

15. HEXAGONAL AXLE AND HUB FOR WALKING-TYPE AGRICULTURAL TRACTOR

16. CENTRIFUGAL PUMP

17. SPRINKLER HEAD

18. DESIGN, INSTALLATION AND OPERATION OF SPRINKLER IRRIGATION SYSTEMS — CODE OF

PRACTICE

19. IRRIGATION EQUIPMENT — SPRINKLER PIPES —PART 1 - POLYETHYLENE PIPES

20. IRRIGATION EQUIPMENT — SPRINKLER PIPES — PART 2 - QUICK COUPLED POLYETHYLENE

PIPES AND FITTINGS

21. IRRIGATION EQUIPMENT – POLYETHYLENE PIPES FOR IRRIGATION LATERALS

22. PHHS – MAIZE

23. PHHS – RICE

24. PHHS – WHEAT

25. PHHS – SORGHUM

26. PHHS – SOYBEAN

27. PHHS – PULSES

28. STORAGE OF GRAINS AND PULSES WITH PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS

29. MAIZE SHELLER – SPECIFICATION

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30. MAIZE SHELLER – METHODS AND TESTS

31. RICE THRESHER – SPECIFICATION

32. RICE THRESHER – METHODS AND TESTS

33. HEATED AIR MECHANICAL GRAIN DRYER – SPECIFICATION

34. HEATED AIR MECHANICAL GRAIN DRYER - METHODS AND TESTS

35. RICE MILL – SPECIFICATION

36. RICE MILL – METHODS AND TESTS

37. MAIZE MILL – SPECIFICATION

38. MAIZE MILL – METHODS AND TESTS

39. OPERATOR SAFETY AND HEALTH - – SPECIFICATION

Technical regulations on Agricultural Mechanization & Irrigation covered the following main areas:

• Purpose

• Scope

• Compliance with Standards

• General requirement

• Powers of the Authority

• Guidelines governing Warranty

• Guidelines governing Four wheel Tractor

Technical regulations on Postharvest handling (PHHS) of Grains and Pulses that were validated cov-ered the following chapters:

CHAPTER 1 GENERAL PROVISIONS – purpose, scope, objectives, definitions

CHAPTER 2 LICENSE PROVISIONS – PHHS machinery manufacturers, private warehouses, service providers of PHHS etc

CHAPTER 3Article 17:Article 18:Article 19:Article 20:Article 21:Article 22:Article 23:

POST HARVEST DATABASE AND TRAINING PROVISIONSProvision of post harvest loses data collection Services Establishment of Warehouse Development and Regulatory Authority Joint activities by UR-CAVM and TF – PHHS for Farmers Training Joint activities by UR-CAVM and TF – Training of PHHS manufacturers Joint activities by UR-CAVM and TF – Training of Agribusiness tradersJoint activities by UR-CAVM and TF – PHHS research in value addition Joint activities by UR-CAVM and RAB – PHHS Technology transfer

CHAPTER 4Article 24:Article 25:Article 26:Article 27: Article 28: Article 29: Article 30: Article 31: Article 41:

SPECIFIC GUIDLINESS GOVERNING PHHSPre-harvestingHarvestingDryingShelling/Threshing and cleaningPackagingTransportationStorageStored pests and their control measuresHealth and safety

CHAPTER 5 COMPETITION AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC OBLIGATIONS

CHAPTER 6 ENFORCEMENT

CHAPTER 7 TRANSITIONAL AND FINAL PROVISION

• Farm Tractor Operation

• Farm Tractor components and func-

tions

• Power tiller Operation

• Power tiller components and func-

tions

• Farm Tractor Safety

• Farm Tractor and power tiller main-

tenance

• Care and maintenance of tillage

• Transporting the harvested crop

from the field

• Drying of maize cobs/earheads/

pods

• Shelling/threshing of harvested

crops

• Cleaning of shelled or threshed

cobs/earheads or pods

• Drying of grains and pulses

• Packaging of grains and pulses

• Transportation of grains and pulses

• Storage of grains and pulses

• Quality Requirements

• Storage pests and their control

measures

• Fumigation in Storage

• Post Harvest Machinery

• Evaluation of Training

Prepared by

Samuel Mporanzi

Engineering Lead Standards Officer 15

Training manuals were developed on the following aspects:

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Seeds and Planting Materials Standards Harmonized in the Promotion of Agricultural Productivity in the East

African Community

Most economies in East African Commu-nity are agriculture based. Consequent-ly, any sluggish growth in agricultural

production translates into slow growth and low per capita incomes. This agriculture is character-ized by one of the lowest rate of the use of mod-ern inputs in Africa and in the World. The rate of the use of improved seeds is less than 5%, This low use of inputs explains, in part, the low level of productivity of the EAC member states agri-culture.

This lowest rate use of improved seeds can be partly attributed to limited development of commercial seed markets given that less than 10% of the seed planted is purchased from the formal market. Seed markets in the region are small and highly fragmented; with closed national markets dominated by a few interna-tional companies and parastatals, and restrictive laws, regulations and policies. As a result, many released seed varieties have never been widely disseminated.

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Seeds, in particular, are very important because they are the first deciding factors of production without which no other input or investment

can have significant value. It is therefore highly needed to meet the seeds demand responding to different intensification schemes in various

The use of high quality seeds incleases agricultural productivity

agro-bio-climatic regions of the region. Quality standards are equally needed to enhance pro-ductivity and efficiency.

The regional initiative of harmonizing standards in the area of seeds and planting materials, un-der the sponsorship of International Finance Corporation World-Bank group (IFC) comes to complete previous initiatives and aims espe-cially to allow the development of an important regional seed market and shall facilitate the seed import/export and exchange of varieties.

The regional harmonization started with Seed Certification Standards for maize, sorghum, groundnut, soybean and sunflower. It had its first regional consultative meeting between 09th and 11th September this year, to harmo-nize Partner States positions on the Draft Stan-dards and was hosted by Rwanda in Serena Ho-tel. It is hoped to harmonize the requirements of pre-basic seeds, Basic seeds and certified seeds

as follows:

1. Field requirements: Previous cropping requirements; Isolation; Varietal purity; and Phytosanitary requirements2. Laboratory requirements Purity Moisture content; and Germination requirement3. Labeling requirements

The regional harmonization of seed certification standards will pray a key starting point in the regional harmonization of variety evaluation, re-lease and registration; phytosanitary regulations and seed law and seed policy.

Prepared byJerome NDAHIMANA Agriculture Products Standards Officer

Deliberative maize disease (smut) Segregating plant of maize ( color of silk)

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Good Agriculture Practice in Sustainable Coffee Production

Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) are spe-cific methods which, when applied to agriculture, create food for consumers or

further processing that is safe and wholesome.

National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) de-fines organic agriculture as an ecological pro-duction management system that promotes and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity. It is based on minimal use of off-farm inputs and on management practic-es that restore, maintain and enhance ecological harmony.1

As the range of sustainability initiatives being developed and implemented within the cof-fee sector continues to grow, it is becoming in-creasingly important to develop a clear under-standing of the demands being placed upon producers as they attempt to become standards compliant.

This article will help people in coffee sector to understand more the GAP in sustainable coffee

production.Improved Agricultural Methods

Planting

When deciding to plant seedlings or clonal cuttings, farmers should ensure that the plant-ing material originates from registered and ap-proved nurseries.

The planting holes should be dug about 3 months before planting and filled with a mix of soil and manure. Planting will then be carried out just at the onset of the rainy season.2

Weeding

Weeds compete with coffee for nutrients and water especially during the dry season and therefore farms should be kept weed free.2

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Pruning

Coffee pruning is a vital agricultural practice that rejuvenates the plant through the removal of unproductive wood and through the promo-tion of new suckers which will develop into new stems.

It is important to limit the number of stems on each tree to a maximum of 3-4 because a higher number will result in lower productivity due to increased competition for nutrients. 2

Mulching

Mulching is a practice by which the soil is cov-ered with vegetative material. Any dry grass or crop residue including banana leaves and stems can be material. The best time for mulching is at the beginning of the rainy season.2

Erosion Control and Rainwater Harvesting

Water is the most critical element for the survival of coffee and therefore farmers should carry out any techniques that will maximize the availabil-ity of water to their coffee trees. Various soil con-servation measures can be adopted to reduce runoff such as digging trenches and growing bands of grasses across the slope.2

Shade Tree Planting - Agro-Forestry Approach

Planting shade trees contributes to the conser-vation of biodiversity. Integrating tree growing with crop production helps to improve agricul-tural production, environmental degradation, availability of firewood and availability of fodder for animals. It is important to plant shade trees that do not compete with the coffee trees for nutrients.2

Composting and Manuring

Composting and Manuring increase the organ-ic matter content of the soil, improve the soil structure and improve the water holding capac-ity which helps maintain the soils moist during dry periods.2

Fertilizing

It is normal for soils, after years of cultivation, to start becoming exhausted and deficient in cer-tain important elements that support high pro-ductivity. Fertilization is the process by which deficient elements are returned to the soil and thereby made available again for plant uptake.Fertilization can be organic through the use of manure and compost, or inorganic through the application of chemicals products such as NPK, DAP and Urea.2

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Life Cycle Thinking Introduced In RwandaThe Rwanda Bureau of Standards in collabora-tion with Swedish Standards Institute (SIS) con-ducted a training on LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT AND SUSTAINABLE DESIGN for policy makers, academia, food industries, to ensure the inclu-sion of life cycle thinking in policy and business aimed at improving environmental perfor-mance of products (both goods and services) throughout their life-cycles, from the extrac-tion of raw materials, through the production of materials, intermediates, and products and their use, to the recycling and final disposal of remaining waste (“cradle to grave”).

This training was held in Kigali, from 17 to 20 September 2013 at Classic Hotel.

One of the tools used in training was SIMAPRO Software allowing to model products and sys-tems from a life cycle perspective.

The important role of life cycle thinking was rec-ognized and strengthened in its national strate-gy “Green Growth and Climate Resilience” issued in November 2011, the Government of Rwanda lays out a clear and plausible path to achieving the ambitious development targets of Vision 2020 in a way that is sustainable aiming to lower aiming to the overall environmental impact and consumption of resources of products associ-ated with their complete life cycles.

• Not only could Life Cycle Thinking help the environment, it can also save the company more

money and improve their reputation. If a com-pany knows where their materials come from as well as where they will end up after they have reached the end of their useful life, economic performance could be further enhanced. Also, since presently so much emphasis is placed on sustainable actions, the more a company shows its concern and respect for the environment, the better its reputation will be.

• Since Life Cycle Thinking can be involved in the choices of individual consumers, as well as policy makers and businesses, it is very impor-tant that people are well informed about the subject and its uses. Increasing awareness of the Life Cycle Analysis technique would allow com-panies as well as individuals to consider multi-ple options for a new product. After consider-ation of all available options, Life Cycle Thinking would encourage selection of the most sustain-able option. If more individuals practiced Life Cycle Thinking when looking for new materials or methods, they would be more aware of how the environmental cost of ownership of prod-ucts can be influenced by the running costs in energy and consumables.

• Life Cycle thinking can help people find new ways to improve environmental performance, image, and economic benefits. Since the deci-sions of global businesses and government organizations have such a large impact on the environment, incorporating Life Cycle Thinking into their actions could greatly reduce negative environmental effects and improve sustainabili-ty. Many businesses do not always consider their supply chains or the “end-of-life” processes asso-ciated with their products; likewise, government actions frequently consider their own country or region and do not take into account the impact that they could have on other regionsBriefly, it was agreed to apply life cycle thinking in our daily life and a pilot project to implement Life Cycle thinking through standards imple-mentation was recommended.

Prepared by Raymond MURENZIEnvironmental Lead Standards Officer

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Recycling a Green Environmental Technology

Recycling is a process that includes collecting a wide range of recyclable materials, processing them into raw materials and then manufactur-ing the raw materials into new products.

Millions of tons of waste plastic end up in landfill when the vast majority of it can be recycled, it’s all too easy for us to throw away rubbish with-out a second thought but we need to take care of our planet and not just reduce the amount of rubbish we bury but also given that plastic is derived from oil a natural product with ever de-pleting resources it makes sense to recycling as much as possible. America has one of the highest rates of recycling anywhere in the worldToday many items are made from recycled ma-terials including: Newspapers, office paper, Plas-tic bottles, Glass soft drink bottles, Aluminum and steel cans, jerricans and jars, scrap etcA survey by Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) indicates that every day, an av-erage of 80,000 500 ml pet bottles are put on Kigali market however not all is recycledAlthough some recycling industries hire people to pick these bottles from the land fill and all over the city, not all is picked, some are swept by rain water and end up in drainage systems this results into flooding, others are not clearly traced.

These plastic bottles can averagely take 500 years to completely degrade, posing a high risk to the environmentIf all that is put on market is recycled, then most of the resources would be saved like energy, landfill space, soil degradation, pollution, water

Benefits of recycling Oil ConservationHere is an interesting fact; we can save almost five barrels of oil by reprocessing the plastic bot-tles. The price of the oil is hiking these days so saving in this regard can be really helpful. On top of this increase in oil price there is a great impor-tance in finding alternative energy sources as

the oil sources will run out at one point. Decrease in Greenhouse gas Omissionnot many people know that recycling requires less processing than making a plastic bottle. This means that less amount of energy will be required to recycle the plastic bottles. In the end, the result of recycling will mean the least amount of pollution which is a step in the right direction of saving the environment.

Conserving Our EnergyAs mentioned earlier, the recycling doesn’t consume as much energy as producing plastic products. The plastic bottles that are used for soft drinks and for water are made from poly-ethylene Terephthalate (PET), two pounds of re-cycled PET can save 13,000 Btu energy.

The Advantages of ReuseIt is a misconception that a recycled bottle trans-forms into the similar bottle. In reality, the fact is that a recycled plastic bottle is converted into something other than a bottle. It can be used for most other plastic product; recycled bottles are used as a resource of plastic but are not reused as bottles.

Save Our LandfillsYou might be thinking about how much space is taken by a plastic bottle? We are facing a strange problem these days, which is our land-fills, are running very short of space. As a result, new landfills are created, which in the end hurt the environment. The public should know that by recycling only one ton of plastic bottles, 8 cu-bic yards of landfill are being cleared

Source of employmentRecycling industries are a source of employment to the population and also a source of revenue to the government through taxes. On individual basis, people can sell the recyclable materials to recycling industries thus a source of incomeRwanda Bureau of Standards therefore helps your organization, industries, institutions to find technical ways to manage these environmen-tal affairs by offering a certification service of 21

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Environmental management system (EMS) ISO 14001, ISO 18604 packaging and the environ-ment – material recycling.

The highest source of waste are the packaging materials, these generate high percentages of waste therefore reducing the amount of pack-aging used per item will reduce waste volumesToday most of landfills fill up because the waste that is brought there is not sorted, it includes recyclable and non recyclable materials, land fill should be the last option in the waste manage-ment hierachy when re use, recycling, waste to energy options have failed.

Land fill can have a long life span when the right waste is brought in, Rwanda has spent 1.3 billion rwf on construction of a temporary landfill after the Nyanza Landfill was full to its maximum with complaints of stench from the residentsWaste reduction goes beyond compliance to reduce environmental impact, it begins at the

design phase through pollution prevention and waste minimization. At the end of the life cycle, waste is reduced by recycling.

Economics dictate that most manufacturers use close to the minimum required material nec-essary for a given application. This principle is, however, offset against aesthetics, convenience and marketing benefits that can lead to over-use of packaging, as well as the effect of existing investment in tooling and production process, which can also result in excessive packaging of some products.

Without doubt recycling is the best option for waste management for saving our environment Save resources and the environment using the recycling approach

Prepared by Hope Atwine Certification Officer

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Building materials account for about half of all materials used and about half the solid waste generated worldwide. They have

an environmental impact at every step of the building process—extraction of raw materials, processing, manufacturing, transportation, con-struction and disposal at the end of a building’s useful life.1

Construction and demolition (C&D) materials consist of the debris which are solid generated during new construction, renovation, and de-molition of buildings, roads, and bridges. C&D materials include bricks, concrete, masonry, soil, rocks, paving materials, glass, plastics, wood, metals, asphalt roofing materials, plumbing fix-tures, etc. If properly planned, a vast majority of C&D materials can be recovered through reuse and recycling, which conserves resources and energy and protects environment.

A certain portion of the materials from construc-

tion and demolition projects are toxic or classi-fied as hazardous waste. Materials generated in new construction that may require special han-dling include latex paint, chemical solvents and adhesives. The materials should be managed ac-cording to local regulations. Lead paint can be planed, removed, and recycled at a lead smelter or disposed of appropriately, while the remain-ing wood can also be reused or recycled.2Most construction waste goes into landfills, in-creasing the burden on landfill loading and op-eration. Waste from sources such as solvents or chemically treated wood can result in soil and water pollution.Reuse and recycling C&D materials conserves landfill space, reduces the environmental im-pact of producing new materials, creates jobs, and can reduce overall building project expens-es through avoided purchase/disposal costs.The diversion of construction, renovation and demolition waste from landfill sites is an issue that has been gaining attention within both the

Reuse and Recycling of Construction and Demolition Materials

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public and private sectors. Many of our land-fill sites are reaching capacity. In addition, C&D waste is sometimes illegally dumped or burned causing land, air and water pollution. The in-creasing costs of disposal are ultimately reflected in project costs, as contractors must incorporate anticipated disposal costs in their bid costing.3While serious pollution generated from con-struction activities, a comprehensive construc-tion waste management is urgently needed on every construction site. It is of great importance to structure ways for minimizing waste genera-tion is seen as the most favourable solution to waste problems of any kind. Economic and en-vironmental benefits to be gained from waste minimization are enormous, since it will benefit both the environment and construction firms in terms of cost reduction. The economic ben-efits of waste minimization include possibilities of selling specific waste materials and removal from sites of other waste at no charge or re-duced cost, with a subsequent reduction in ma-terials going to landfill. Therefore, it can increase contractors competitiveness through lower pro-duction cost and a better public image.

ReuseMany materials can be salvaged from demoli-tion and renovation sites and sold, donated, stored for later use, or reused on the current project. Typical materials suitable for reuse in-clude plumbing fixtures, doors, cabinets, win-

dows, carpet, brick, light fixtures, ceiling and floor tiles, wood, and decorative items (includ-ing fireplaces and stonework).2

Contractors can avoid the cost of removal by allowing private companies to salvage materi-als from the site. Organizations that have space may want to consider storing high-value mate-rials for later projects. Many building materials may be reusable during renovation projects and projects where a new building is built follow-ing the demolition of another. Planners can in-crease reuse potential by making efforts to use the same size and types of materials as in the old construction. Inadequate storage space for materials during the interim from removal to re-installation may limit reuse as a materials recov-ery option.

Recycling

Materials can either be recycled onsite into new construction or offsite at a C&D processor. Typi-cal materials recycled from building sites include metal, lumber, asphalt, pavement (from parking lots), and concrete, roofing materials, corrugat-ed cardboard and wallboard.

Recycling is often easiest during construction projects as opposed to demolition and renova-tion projects. During construction, crews can source separate materials as debris is produced.Demolition and renovation project materials of-ten consist of mixed materials and require on- or off-site sorting.

The most important step for recycling of con-struction waste is on-site separation. Initially, this will take some extra effort and training of construction personnel. Once separation habits are established, on-site separation can be done at little or no additional cost.

Commonly recovered c&d materialsConcrete

Concrete is commonly recycled. It is crushed, the reinforcement bar is removed, and the ma-terial is screened for size. Market outlets for re- 23

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Bricks

Recycled brick aggregates recovered from de-molished masonry structures can be utilized in the manufacture of new concrete mixtures.

Fine recycled brick aggregates recovered from demolished masonry structures can be utilized in the manufacture of new concrete mixtures. At this way, it is possible to reduce the problem of construction and demolition waste storage, and to reduce the consumption of natural materials. The utilization of masonry waste and of crushed brick as an aggregate in mortar and concrete would have a positive effect on the economy also.

cycled concrete include road base, general fill, pavement aggregate, and drainage media.2

Products (aside from base course) are high qual-ity aggregate, processed in steps with time and effort involved in crushing, pre-sizing, sorting, screening and contaminant elimination.

Metals

Recycle metals found at a construction, demo-lition, or renovation sites. Common metals in-clude steel, aluminum, and copper. Local metal scrap yards or recyclers that accept metal ma-terials are typically accessible. Metals are melted down and reformed into metal products.2

Asphalt paving

Asphalt material is generated through the civil road construction sector. Asphalt is potentially 100 per cent recyclable.Asphalt is crushed and recycled back into new asphalt. Markets for recycled asphalt paving in-clude aggregate for new asphalt hot mixes and sub-base for paved road.2

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The key markets for crushed concrete and brick include use in all-weather applications (such as low-grade roads), and in pavement sub-bases (such as roads and non-structural applications) as a substitute for virgin crushed rock.

Benefits of c&d recycling

1.Reduces the production of greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants by reducing the need to extract raw materials and ship new materials long distances.

2.Conserves landfill space, reduces the need for new landfills and their associated cost.

3.Saves energy and reduces the environmental impact of producing new materials through avoided extraction and manufacturing pro-cesses.

4.Creates employment opportunities and eco-nomic activities in recycling industries.

5.Saves money by reducing project disposal costs, transportation costs, and the cost of some new construction materials by recy-cling old materials onsite.

6.Reduces project costs through avoided dis-posal costs, avoided purchases of new ma-terials, revenue earned from materials sales, and tax breaks gained for donations.

7.Helps communities, contractors, and/or building owners comply with state and local policies, such as disposal bans and recycling goals.

The following are some ASTM Standards about recycling and environment protection;

- ASTM E2432-11 Standard Guide for gen-eral principles of sustainability relative to build-ing- ASTM E1991-05 Standard guide for Envi-ronmental Life Cycle of Building materials/prod-ucts

Prepared by Hope Atwine Certification Officer

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ANNOUNCEMENT

The Rwanda Bureau of Standards would like to inform the general public that the Draft Rwanda Standards (DRS) appearing in the list below are being circulated for public comments. Any comments on these drafts should be sent to Rwanda Bureau of Standards not later than 16/02/2014.

N° REFERENCE NUMBER TITLE

Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

1 DRS 204: 2013 Beans — Specification

2 DRS 205: 2013 Peas — Specification

3 DRS 206: 2013 Watermelon — Specification

4 DRS CODEX STAN 303-2011 Tree tomatoes – Specification

5 DRS CODEX STAN 299-2010 Apples – Specification

6 DRS 207: 2013 Code of hygienic practice for dried fruits

Milk and Milk products

7 DRS CAC/RCP 57: 2004 Code of hygienic practice for milk and milk products

Meat and Meat products (TC5)

8 DRS 46: 2004(Revision) Code of Practice for Handling, processing and Distribution of fish

9 DRS 185: 2013 Code of hygienic practice for meat

IT, Telecommunications and Multimedia

10 DRS ISO/IEC 27032 :2012 Information technology — Security techniques — Guidelines for cyber security

11 DRS ISO /IEC 24767-1 :2009 Information technology – Home network security Part 1: Security requirements

12 DRS IEC 60215:1987 Safety requirements for radio transmitting equipments

Environment, Health And Safety

13 DRS 209: 2013 Waste within health care facilities-Handling and dis-posal-Code of Practice

14 DRS 210: 2013 Safety procedures for the disposal of surplus pesticides and associated toxic waste-Code of practice

15 DRS ISO 24512:2012 Activities relating to drinking water and wastewater services-Guidelines for the management of drinking water utilities and for the assessment of drinking water services

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16 DRS ISO 15270 :2008 Plastics — Guidelines for the recovery and recycling of plastics waste on the valorization part

17 DRS ISO 1043-1 : 2011 Plastics — Symbols and abbreviated terms — Part 1: Basic polymers and their special characteristics

18 DRS ISO 1043-2: 2011 Plastics — Symbols and abbreviated terms — Part 2: Fillers and reinforcing materials

19 DRS ISO 1043-3: 1996 Plastics — Symbols and abbreviated terms — Part 3: Plasticizers

20 DRS ISO 1043-4 :1998 Plastics — Symbols and abbreviated terms — Part 4: Flame retardants

21 DRS ISO 11469 :2000 Plastics — Generic identification and marking of plas-tics products

Quality Assurance and Quality Management

22 DRS ISO 26000:2013 Guidance on Social Responsibility

23 DRS 208:2013 Business Process Outsourcing and Off-Shoring Operations. Part 1: Outbound Contact Centre Operations

24 DRS ISO 20252:2012 Market, opinion and social research —Vocabulary and services requirements

25 DRS ISO/IEC 17020:2012 Conformity Assessment-Requirements for the operation of various types of bodies performing inspection

Electrical Engineering

26 DRS IEC 61427:2013 Secondary cells and batteries for renewable energy storage - General requirements and methods of test - Part 1: Photovoltaic off-grid application

27 DRS IEC 61959:2004 Secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes - Mechanical tests for sealed portable secondary cells and batteries

28 DRS IEC 62133:2012 Secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes - Safety requirements for portable sealed secondary cells, and for batteries made from them, for use in portable applications

29 DRS IEC 60335-2-3:2012 Household and similar electrical appliances - Safety - Part 2-3: Particular requirements for electric irons

30 DRS IEC 60335-2-15: 2012 Household and similar electrical appliances-Safety- Part 2-5: Particular requirements for appliances for heating liquids

31 DRS IEC 60335-2-35: 2012 Household and similar electrical appliances-Safety-Part 2-35: Particular requirements for instantaneous water heaters

Mechanical Engineering

32 DRS ISO 6934-1:2005 Steel for the prestressing of concrete – Part 1: General requirements

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33 DRS ISO 6934-3:1991 Steel for the prestressing of concrete – Part 3: Quenched and tempered wire

34 DRS ISO 6934-4:1991 Steel for the prestressing of concrete – Part 4: Strand

35 DRS ISO 6934-5:1991 Steel for the prestressing of concrete – Part 5: Hot rolled steel bars with or without subsequent processing

36 DRS ISO 6934-2:1991 Steel for the prestressing of concrete – Part 2: Cold drawn wire

37 DRS ISO 7801:2002 Metallic materials – Wire – Reverse bend test

38 DRS ISO 16020:2005 Steel for the reinforcement and prestressing of concrete –Vocabulary

Copies of the Draft Standards can be found on RBS website or you may contact RBS on the address below:

Rwanda Bureau of Standards P. O. Box: 7099, Kicukiro - KigaliPhone: 3250 E-mail: [email protected]: Rwanda Bureau of StandardsTwitter: Rwanda StandardsWeb: www.rwanda-standards.org

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Get to Know the Dangers of Mycotoxins in Food and Feeds

Mycotoxins infect various agricultural commodities such as cereals, Dried fruits, nuts, spices, Grape, Coffee, Cacao

and fruits Juice, where they can be found either before harvest or under post-harvest conditions. Certain plants diseases are responsible for the production of mycotoxins. There is also a sec-ondary contamination of Milk, Eggs and Meat which is caused by feeding the contaminated feeds.

How many mycotoxins are there?Hundreds of compounds are present, but there are generally two main classes:

1) Major Mycotoxins, which are: Aflatoxins, Ochratoxins, Tricothecenes, Zearalenone, Fumosins, and Patulin, and

2) Minor Mycotoxins, which are: Ergot alkaloids, Citrinin, cyclopiazonic acid, Sterigmatocystin, Minoliformin, Gliotoxin, Citreoviridin, Tremor genic mycotoxins, Penicillic acid, Roque fortine, 3-nitropropionic acid, and Fusap roliferin.

Are they an issue?The answer is a big YES.

- Mycotoxins can be fatal or cause severe illness at very small concentrations,- The presence of aflatoxins in human foods can cause acute and chronic health effects (aflatoxi coses) including immune-system sup pression, growth retardation and cancer. The main target organ for toxicity and carcinogenicity is the liver.- The recent report from Food and Ag riculture Organisation (FAO) es timates that 25 percent of world food crops are affected while the Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that more than 4.5 billion people in the developing world are exposed to food-borne aflatoxins. Children below five years remain most vulnerable, with exposure causing stunted growth and damaging their im munity.

The recent statistics shows that:- More than 25% of all agricultural com modities are contaminated by mycotox ins,- There are annual losses of several hun dred million tons of food worldwide,- In USA only, annual economic losses of 1billion USD is accounted.

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The Effect of mycotoxin on Human and Animal Health

Exposure to mycotoxins is mostly by ingestion, but also occurs by the dermal and inhalation routes.

The symptoms of mycotoxicosis (poisoning as-sociated with exposures to mycotoxins) depend on the type of mycotoxin, the concentration and length of exposure; as well as age, health, and sex of the exposed individual.

Mycotoxins can be fatal or cause severe illness at very small concentrations, often measured in parts per million (ppm) or parts per billion (ppb), Some symptoms for mycotoxin contamination are; vomiting, abdominal discomfort, anorexia, jaundice, oedema of legs, ascites, tachycardia, tenderness of liver, gastrointestinal bleeding, nausea, headache and the exposure time asso-ciated with the symptoms may vary from 2 days -30 days.

Aflatoxicosis in food that we eat can make us prone to chronic health malfunctions. These in-clude cancer; growth retardation and suppress the immune system to the point of exposing the ‘liver’ as the main target organ for toxic and car-cinogenic purposes.

Several outbreaks of aflatoxicosis have occurred in tropical countries, mostly among adults in ru-ral populations with a poor level of nutrition for whom maize is the staple food.

Populations of developing countries are the most susceptible to aflatoxicosis illness. This is because security blankets in crops at pre-har-vest and post-harvest level are not as strict as in developed countries.

What about aflatoxins?Aflatoxins is most well-known mycotoxins and is among the major mycotoxins groups; It is highly toxic group that causes cancer. They are caused by chemicals compounds produced by several members of the fungal genus called Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus. Aflatoxins have received greater attention than any other mycotoxins because of their demon-strated potent carcinogenic effect in animals and their acute toxicological effects in humans. These moulds occur in warm climates and pro-duce aflatoxins in drought-stressed maize and groundnuts in the field. They also affect these crops and many other commodities which are stored under improper conditions of temperature and humidity.

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Some of the food products affected by mycotoxin

Rwanda Bureau of Standards (RBS) has estab-lished a well equipped laboratory of analysis in order to prevent and control the contaminated products to the Rwandan market. Actually Afla-toxins B1, B2, G1, G2 are well tested in all prod-ucts (All foods stuffs and Animal feeds), and soon, the institution will start the analysis of M1 and M2, as well as other major Mycotoxins (Och-ratoxin, Tricothecenes, Zearalenone, Fumosins, and Patulin). Their project is at the final stage. The Mycotoxins laboratory is equipped with the high technology equipments capable of measuring different types of mycotoxins. Chro-matography methods with High Performance

Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC), and High Performance Liquid Chromatography with Fluo-rescence Detector (HPLC), are used.According to our data from different samples tested, it is obvious that our market is not free from Aflatoxins contamination.

If we take an interval of this last 12 months, 61 samples of different products (Cereals, Cassava and Groundnuts) have been received and tested from different sources such as internal costum-ers (imports inspection, market surveillance, in-dustry inspection and certification services) and external or Private costumers (Local Industries, the consumers, as well as the complaints…).

What is beaing done by RBS to Control Mycotoxins in Rwanda

The following table show the range of results obtained from different products:

Aflatoxins Sample rangeDescription

Total aflatoxins <1µg/Kg

Total aflatoxins 1-10µg/kg

Total aflatoxins 11-100µg/kg

Total aflatoxins >100µg/kg

Maize Flour 33 1 2 1

Groundnuts 1 3 2 -

Cassava flour 6 1 - -

Composite flour 2 3 2 -

Wheat flour 3 1 - -

This table is meaning that: •Thefiguresshowthenumberofsamplesre-

sults set in each range of Aflatoxins level, and here we consider only total aflatoxins as the sum of Aflatoxins B1, B2, G1 and G2.

•73.8%ofsamplesresultsarelessthan1µg/Kg(in green column). This indicates that there is no any trace of Aflatoxin detected in those samples, where the products are free from Aflatoxins.

•14.7%of samples results are in the rangeof1-10µg/Kg(inbluecolumn).Theseresultsin-dicate some trace of Aflatoxins detected in the samples, and according to regional stan-dards, the products are in acceptable range for total aflatoxins where the requirements is

upto10µg/kg.However,ifwithinthisrange,the level of Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is more than 5µg/Kg, the product is no longer accept-able for human and animals consumption, because the maximum tolerance for AFB1is 5µg/Kg.

•9.8%ofsamplesresultsareintherangeof11-100µg/Kg(indarkredcolumn).Theseresultsindicate a big amount of Aflatoxins detected in the samples. These products are consid-ered as poison, and not allowed to be con-sumed by human or animals because they cause an immediate effect on human and animal health.•1.7%ofsamplesresultsaremorethan100µg/

Kg (in red column). This level is extremely dangerous, and once such product is con-sumed, it can even cause death. 31

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How can we prevent aflatoxins contamination?

Aflatoxins are present in all stages of food pro-duction, from the field to the store; however they can be prevented and controlled. At pre-harvest level, Resistant varieties (if practicable) may be used in insect management to minimize kernel dam-age during harvesting. At post-harvest level; products are cleaned and dried and undergo the moisture facility with temperature-moisture control; they finally go through insect and pest management.

If we take an example of this particular case, the sample was a complaint from a local con-sumer, who bought 50kgs of maize flour at market. He took them home and, as usual, prepared the food (KAWUNGA) to eat with his family. All of them started feeling ill in-stantly and began vomiting and got head-aches as well as, diarrhea. The following day, they stopped eating the product and he brought a sample to RBS mycotoxins labora-tory, where they found out that the product was no longer a food but a poison.

So this is a typical example proving how long poisonous contaminated foods with mycotox-ins are, and proving that our market is not free from the kind of poison; where measures and precautions must be carefully taken.At the moment, RBS in collaboration with Rwan-da Agriculture Board (RAB) and International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA), have a common ongoing study project with the aim of finding out the real mycotoxins contamination in Rwanda, and very soon we hope to discover the image of Mycotoxins level in Rwanda.

The control of aflatoxins needs a cooperation between Ministry of health, Ministry of Agricul-ture, National Environment Committee board, Consumer Protection Committee Board, Inter-national organizations and awareness Cam-paigns for information dissemination to: farmer, food and feed factories exporter, public services associations, health care providers, school, etc. where everyone is concerned at the end.

Prepared byEmanuel RudacogoraFood and Agriculture Laboratory Officer

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It is necessary to acknowledge the importance and beneficial effects generated by some mi-crobes.

Microbes are living organisms, too tiny to be seen without the aid of a microscope. They are small but mighty! There are everywhere around us, inside us, on us, in our food, in our homes, in the air we breathe, in the soil and the water we regularly use.

Some microbes cause health problems such as; bacterial infection (salmonellosis, listeriosis), virus infection (Polio, Hepatitis, etc), and fungal infection (candidiasis). Microbes (i.e. molds, Pseudomonas, Acineto-bacter, yeasts, lactic acid bacteria, etc) spoil and make food inedible human consumption which can cause huge losses.

Doctor Paul Humphyrus, senior lecturer in mi-crobiology at Huddersfied University in Daily Ex-aminer Feb 19 2008, claimed that most microbes make our lives better, such as; 10,031 quintillion good microbes against less than 3008 quintillion bad ones. This translates into 1 harmful germ for every 30,000 useful bacteria!This certainly puts a different perspective on the role that microbes play in our lives. We need them for:

Food transformation: A lot of foods and bever-ages, such as cheese, yogurt, breads, beer, wine, etc are produced using microbes. Digestion: digestive flora helps us digest our food, breaks up the more complex material and finally transforms the remains into a digestible product.

Vitamin and Antibiotics production: Enzymes produced by intestinal bacteria are important

in the metabolism of several vitamins including vitamin K and some of the B vitamins. Strepto-myces, produce tetracyclines, streptomycin and many other antibiotics.

The molds Penicillium and Cephalosporium pro-duce antibiotics such as penicillin and cephalo-sporin

Immune system stimulation and Competitive Exclusion: Digestive flora in our gut as infants makes the immune system well trained to fight off invad-ers.

Good microbes in the body create competition for the germs in the throat, intestine, on the skin, and in other areas and thus check the growth of harmful microbes.

Biological decomposition of environmental materials: Microbes decompose human waste from sewer systems and other organic wastes and provides for nutrient recycling in the soil for plant growth.

Remediation of Toxic Inorganic Compounds from the environment: Scientists are currently studying microbial prop-erty in hopes to harness this ability and facilitate the removal of toxic compounds: Chromium by Alcaligenes, Pseudomonas, Copper by Esch-erichia, Pseudomonas, Energy production: Waste gases such as meth-

Most Microbes are Economically Beneficial Organisms

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ane that are the result of the anaerobic decom-position process can be captured and used to make ethanol to fuel automobiles.

Research: Microbes are a source of DNA for on-going research and development, including re-combinant DNA techniques. Applications can be found in the medical field, such as in the pro-duction of recombinant insulin. In agriculture scientists have genetically engineered plants for insect and virus resistance.

We should think twice when antibiotics, pesti-

The Rwandan economy is dependent on the Agriculture sector providing 70 % of revenue from export and contributing 36% of GDP [1]. For the sustainability of the Agriculture, the Gov-ernment of Rwanda through Rwanda Develop-ment Board has strengthened private business-es involved in production and trade of crops and plants for Rwanda. The main crops and plants in focus are following [2]:

a) Tea and coffee cropsb) Non – traditional horticultural crops and plants such as fruits, vegetables, flowers and essential oils.

In this issue , we are going to focus on the essen-tial oils and RBS contribution to the analysis of their quality. Essential oils can be used in a wide variety of consumer goods such as detergents, soaps, toilet products, cosmetics, pharmaceu-ticals, perfumes, confectionery food products, soft drinks, distilled alcoholic beverages (hard drinks) and insecticides. Did you know that es-sential oils can also be used in the prevention of fungi and mycotoxins accumulation in cereals? [3] According to the research carried out by a team of graduate students from the Columbia Univer-sity’s School of International and Public Affairs in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade and In-dustry and the United Nations Industrial Devel-

opment organization (UNIDO), the main prod-uct in the essential oils value chain in Rwanda is the oil obtained from processing essential oil crops. These essential oils are further processed in the international market to produce different products depending on the plant used. So far, the few existing Rwandan firms have focused on high-value added essential oils mainly used in perfumes, such as geranium, patchouli and rose oils. The oil produced is directly sold to the firms which have contracts with producers. The essential oils produced mainly in Rwanda are geranium, patchouli and rose [4].

cides and disinfectants, are used to eliminate unwanted microbes. They solve the immedi-ate problem, but they have a long-term effect on our health, soil health, water health and the health of the whole ecosystem. We depend on the microbe’s life; let us do our best to align their interests with ours.

Prepared by Alphonse Mbabazi, Food Microbiology Officer.

Analysis of Quality of Rwanda ‘s Essential Oils Through our Facilities

Agilent GC Triple Quadrupole

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Generally the testing of essential oils can be divided in three main categories:• Organoleptictesting;• Testingofthechemicalcompositionand• Testingof physical properties like the specificgravity, refractive index, opticalrotation, flash point, etc

The specifications of the essential oil can be found in the following standards:1) ISO 4731: Essential oil of Geranium2) ISO 3757: Oil of Patchouli3) ISO 9842: Oil of Rose

The parameters tested in these products are:1) Relative density at 20°C2) Refractive index at 20°C3) Optical rotation at 20°C4) Miscibility in ethanol, 90% (volume fraction) at 20°C5) Acid value 6) Ester value7) Chromatographic profile8) Flash point can be analyzed by the request of most of companies that are re-sponsible of transportation.

Prepared by: Wiclef Kagisha Organic Chemistry Lead Laboratory Officer

Rwanda Bureau of Standards contributes to the quality of essential oils through the analysis of samples before exporting these products. With the financial support from East Africa Trade

Mark (TMEA), RBS testing laboratories can per-form this analysis. Currently RBS has different equipment such as Gas Chromatography – Tri-ple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer, refractom-eter and Flash point tester.

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After 120 successfully certified products in the last financial year, RBS started a new financial year 2013/2014 by certifying six-

teen (16) new products and re-certifying twelve (12) existing products giving the total number of 136 certified products by RBS.

The new products include plastic tanks, mil-let flour, assorted fruit based soft drinks, bread and coffee. All these new products have been awarded the S-Mark.

Re-certified products include iron sheets, min-eral water, beer, coffee and biscuits. RBS aims to certify 60 new products in the financial year

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Certified and Re-Certified Products from July-December 2013

List of Certified Products in Quarter Two (July- December 2013)

S/NPRODUCT (BRAND) STANDARD COMPANY MARK

New Certified Products

1.

ROTO tank RS 736: 2012 Rotational molded polyethylene water storage tanks specification

ROTO TANK LTD S-MARK

2.AKEZA millet flour EAS 89:2011 Millet flour

specificationSHEKINA LTD S-MARK

3.

Afritank water tank RS 736: 2012 Rotational molded polyethylene water storage tanks specification AQUATANK LTD. S-MARK

4.

Aquatank rain water RS 736: 2012 Rotational molded polyethylene water storage tanks specification

5.

Nezerwa Passion Fruit Based Soft Drink

RS 19: 2004 Fruits Based Soft Drink–Specifications

UNITE DE TRANSFORMATION SEMI INDUSTRIELLE

S-MARK6.

Nezerwa Pineapple Based Soft Drink


7.Nezerwa Sirop de Maracuja

RS 732: 2012 - Fruits Squashes Specifications

8.Nezerwa Sirop d’Ananas


9.Nezerwa Confiture Mixte

RS 136: 2008 – Jam Specifications

10.Nziza Passion Based Soft Drink


NZIZA COOPERATIVE S-MARK

11.Nziza Sirop de Maracuja


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12.Nziza Confiture d’Ananas


13.Nziza Confiture de Papaye


14.Nziza Confiture de Fraise RS 136: 2008 – Jam Specifications

15. Home BreadEAS 43:2000 Bread specification HOME BREAD BAKERY S-MARK

16.KINUNU roasted coffee beans

RS 39: 2005 – Roasted Ground Coffee and Roasted Coffee Beans Specifications SOCOR LTD.

S-MARK

Re-Certified Products

1.Galvanized Roofing Sheets

RS 591:2012 EAS 11:2008 Galvanized Plain and Corrugated Steel Sheets-Specifications

MASTER STEEL LTD. S-MARK

2.

Aluminium-Zinc Coated Roofing Sheets

EAS 410:2005 Hot Dip Aluminium-Zinc Coated Plain and Corrugated Steel Sheets-Specifications

3.

Pre-painted Metal Coated Roofing Sheets

EAS 468:2008 Pre-painted Metal Coated Steel Sheets and Coils-Specifications

4. Adma Milk BiscuitRS EAS 781:2012 Biscuit specification ADMA INTERNATIONAL

LTD.S-MARK

5.Adma Big Gold Biscuit

RS EAS 781:2012 Biscuit specification ADMA INTERNATIONAL LTD.

S-MARK

6.Adma Tea Marie Biscuit


S-MARK

7. Adma Jariata Biscuit RS EAS 781:2012 Biscuit specification ADMA INTERNATIONAL

LTD.S-MARK

8. Adma Riham BiscuitRS EAS 781:2012 Biscuit specification ADMA INTERNATIONAL

LTD.S-MARK

9.Adma Best Men’s Glucose


S-MARK

10.

MUTZIIG Beer RS 16: 2004 - Beer Specifications

BRALIRWA LTD. E-MARK 11.

TURBO KING BeerRS 16: 2004 - Beer Specifications

12.

KINUNU roasted ground coffee

RS 39: 2005 – Roasted Ground Coffee and Roasted Coffee Beans Specifications SOCOR LTD. S-MARK

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Calibration of Hospital and Hotel Equipment to Ensure Accurate Measurements

In 2012, the metrology division in Rwanda Bu-reau of Standards (RBS) initiated yet another new way to improve and develop the services in Rwanda. RBS started the calibration services of Temperature equipments in Hospitals and Health centers of all Rwandan Districts.This service will facilitate doctors and other technical personnel to offer efficient services in the aspects of diagnosis of diseases and drugs administration through accurate and reliable measurements. For example, when we take our children to health centers for vaccination, how can we be certain that these vaccines are still in hygienic and sane condition without the risks of harming our children’s lives?RBS makes sure that, by having calibrated fridg-es at a specific temperature for vaccines storage, the doctor will be confident that the vaccines

are still in good and harmless condition.Rwanda Bureau of Standards inaugurated this service of calibration in Hospitals in the month of August 2013 and Eighty two (82) Districts Hos-pitals and Health centers of the Eastern Province were visited and their equipment calibrated. This service continues in the same province with an aim to eventually move on to other provinces in the country.

Calibration of hotel equipment was also con-ducted in 49 hotels in kigali. This will not only ensure accurate temperatures but also help to ensure the safety of food products and hence protection of consumers.

Prepared by,Muzungu CyprienLead Metrology Officer

38Some of the instruments used in hospital

RBS Performed Verification of Fuel Dispensers for Phase one (from July -December 2013)

IntroductionSince 2008, RBS started Verification and calibra-tion exercise of fuel dispensing pumps. From that time, the exercise is done once a year. It has been observed than between two verifica-tion periods, the re-verification continued on fuel pumps with complaint of over-delivery, fuel pump shifting and/or replacement. Due to that reason, the verification is done twice a year since 2011. It is in this regard that RBS publishes this article to the public showing the outcome of the first phase verification for the year 2013The exercise started in February 2013 and ended in July 2013. Before any adjustment on a fuel dispensing pump metering unit, a verification of perfor-mance of meter was taken into consideration. That performance was checked by program-ming on a 20 liters of product fuel pump (PMS, AGO or BIK) and pouring that amount of prod-uct in working standard (Calibrated Prover Tank) for identifying the pump deviation from maxi-

mum allowable error limits after its calibration of 2012 phase2.FindingsFrom 928 nozzles of fuel dispensing pumps that were available in the country, 107 nozzles (11.5%) were not in use due to different reasons: Motor problems, unsystematic delivering of products, leaking of pump, rehabilitation of pet-rol station etc. Verification and calibration exercises were con-ducted on 821 nozzles countrywide. Before any adjustment to a pump after verification and calibration of 2012 phase2, the pre-verification action distributed the performance deviations from maximum allowable error limits as follow:Table I. Fuel dispensing pumps status before ver-ification and calibration exercise, 2013 phase1As shown in table below, errors observed to be out of error limits covered 31.3 % of all examined fuel pumps after verification and calibration and 30.9% of those errors were corrected by the veri-fication and calibration exercise of 2013 phase

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1, 0.4% of errors observed were due to malfunc-tion of metering unit and other compartments

of the pumps.RBS recommended its clients to correct these anomalies through repair and maintenance.

Fuel pump status Number by status Total number percentage

Discarded Fuel Pumps 107 928 11.5%

Pumps with error <= -0.5% and recommended to be repaired 2 821 0.2%

Pumps with error <= -0.25% but > -0.5% and recommended to be repaired 0 821 0.0% 0.4%

Pumps with error >= +0.25% and recommended to be repaired 2 821 0.2%

Pumps with error <= -0.5% but calibrated after its detection. 56 821 6.8%

Pumps with error <= -0.25% but > -0.5% and calibrated after its detection. 161 821 19.6% 30.9%

Pumps with error >= +0.25% but calibrated after its detection. 36 821 4.4%

Total Pumps with error <= -0.25% ) 219 821 26.7%

Total Pumps with error >= 0.25% ) 38 821 4.6%

Pumps with error out of error limits (]-2.5%,+2.5%[ ) 257 821 31.3%

Pumps with error within error limits (]-2.5%,+2.5%[) 564 821 68.7%

The way forwardIt is remarkable that the performance of fuel dispensing pump shifted from allowable error limits after a certain period of time and as a pump worked. As it was shown above many of those errors were corrected by verification and calibration exercise and few of them by repair

and maintenance of fuel dispensing pump. In order to make fair trade a culture, RBS will continue to:-Maintain regular verification and calibration of fuel pump in the country twice a year and Carry out frequent inspection on status of fuel dispensing pumps after verification and calibra-tion period.

Prepared by KAMILINDI Didace, Verification Lead Officer

andKABALISA Placide, Fuel Dispenser Officer

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Substandard Water Meters on the Market

Since July 2013, RBS Metrology Division started verification of water meters with the help of Im-port Inspection section. Calibration and verification of water meters, is done according to technical requirements that are quoted in International regulation OIML R 49-1: Water meters intended for the metering of cold potable water and hot water Part 1: Met-rological and technical requirements must be fulfilled.

What are the technical requirementsThe sub-clause 5.1 Materials and construction of water meters of OIML R 49-1 proposes the fol-lowing: • Thewatermetershallbemanufactured from materials of adequate strength and durability for the purpose for which the water meter is to be used.• Thewatermetershallbemanufactured from materials which shall not be ad versely affected by the water tempera ture variations, within the working tem perature range• Allpartsofthewatermeterincontact with the water flowing through it shall be manufactured from materials which are conventionally known to be non- toxic, non-contaminating and biologi cally inert.

• Thecompletewatermetershallbeman ufactured from materials which are re sistant to internal and external corrosion

or are protected by a suitable surface treatment.RBS Metrlogy Unit carried out both visual and laboratory tests and below are the findings;

Visual InspectionThe water meters were found to have traces of rust internally which explain the inappropriate coating of the water meters. (See picture 1)

Laboratory TestsTo prove the fulfillment of the standard require-ments, the chemical composition of the body and ring of the water meters were tested. The test was conducted in suitable condition by Non Destructive Mechanical Tests laboratory and by use of XRF Spectrometer.The test results of the 20th August 2013 revealed the following:• Watermeterbodywasmadeupof94% Iron (Fe)• Watermeterringwasmadeupof 56.94% Copper and 35.19% Zinc

The findings indicates that there is a clear mani-festation of the bypass of the minimum safety requirements in the name of cost cutting. Re-search shows that rust is harmful to the intes-tinal tract. The public are therefore warned and should look out for unscrupulous traders who bring into the country, substandard water me-ters and sell them cheaply while exposing them to health hazards like the one mentioned above.

Prepared bySibomana Bernard.Metrology Officer

Picture 1Picture 2

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In a bid to protect consumers from consumption of substandard products, RBS import inspection section rejected a number of products stopping them from reaching the Rwandan market.

Below is a List of rejected goods from July to December 2013

No DATE PRODUCT QUANTITY REASON1 9/7/2013 Air conditionners 2 pcs Containing R-22

2 15/7/2013 Gluten and yeast 60 Package Labelled in unofficial language

3 15/7/2013 Air conditionner 12 pcs Containing R-22

4 16/7/2013 Used computers, stirizer, assorted kits

3, 1, and 48 pcs Respectively

Banned

5 19/7/2013 Ovaltine 10 cartons Labelled in unofficial language

6 20/7/2013 Nutella 25 cartons Labelled in unofficial language

7 23/7/2013 Cinnamon (1 pc), pink lemonade (1 carton), white chocolate (3 cartons)

4 cartons Labelled in unofficial language and expired

8 25/7/2013 Starch 11 bags Damaged

1 13/8/2013 Mobile phones 16 pcs Counterfeights

2 26/8/2013 Nutella 5 cartons Labeled in unofficial language

5/9/2013 Used underwear 2 bales C31082 Banned

10/9/2013 paints 6 pcs Labeled in unofficial language

20/9/2013 Used shoes 360 bags Very damaged

2/10/2013 Ciment & gypsum compound

36 sacs & 6 buckets Unofficial language

9/10/2013 medecines 367 pieces Unofficial language

9/10/2013 reagents 500 dics Expired

14/10/13 Chocolate powder 20 cartons Unofficial language

15/10/13 pasta 25 cartons Unofficial language

23/10/13 Water meters 200 pcs Failed

25/10/13 Water meters 60 pcs Failed

Goods Rejected from July to December 2013

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18/11/13 Phone batteries 100 pcs Not labeled

22/11/13 Assorted cosmetics products

231 jercans,10 bags and 147 cartons

unofficial language

23/11/13 Assorted food stuffs many Unofficial language

7/12/2013 Ovaltine 30 cartons Unofficial language

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Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), Im-portant Pillars for the National EconomyThe role of SMEs role is to provide competi-

tive prices and assist in promoting the growth of the country’s economy. It’s a means of eco-nomic development and a veritable means of solving people’s lives problems, a seedbed of in-novations, inventions and employment.

Industry is the segment of economy concerned with production of goods. Small Scale Industry (SSI) is a term which applies to the small entre-preneurs who are engaged in manufacture and production on a micro scale. The SSI sector con-tinues to remain an integral part of Rwandan economy with significant contribution to GDP, industrial production and employment genera-tion in Rwanda. Worldwide, the SMEs have been accepted as the engine of economic growth and for promoting equitable development. The major advantage of the sector is its employment potential at low capital cost. The labour intensity of the SME sector is much higher than that of the large enterprises.The small-scale industries should contribute a lot to the progress of the Rwandan economy. They have also a great potential for the future development of the economy. Let us discuss their role in detail.

Large Scope for Employment: The small-scale industries provide large scope for employment on a massive scale. This is of great significance for a country like Rwanda where labour-force is increasing at a very rapid rate. Moreover, the small-scale industries being labour-intensive they employ more labour per unit of capital for a given output compared to the large-scale in-dustries.

The small-scale industries are also specially suit-ed for overcoming various types of unemploy-ment in the rural and semi-urban areas. With lit-tle capital and other resources, mostly available

locally, these industries can be set-up every-where in the country, even at the very door-step of the workers. For this reason the small farmer and agricultural worker can combine their work in agriculture with that in these industries. Fur-ther, these industries provide part-time as well as full time work to rural artisans, women, and poor of the backward classes.

Exports: Many products of the small-scale indus-tries like handicrafts, food products, flowers, etc. are exported to foreign countries. In this way the small-scale sector makes a very valuable contri-

bution to the accumulation of foreign exchange resource for the country.

Use of domestic resources: The small-scale in-dustries use resources which are available locally which would otherwise have remained unused. These resources are the hoarded wealth, family-labour, artisan’s skills, native entrepreneurship, etc. Being thinly spread throughout the country, these resources cannot be used by large-scale industries which need them in big amounts and at a few specified places.

Besides using these resources, the small-scale industries provide an environment for the de-velopment of forces of economic growth. Using the hoarded wealth, these industries put into circulation savings which propel investments in the economy. These industries also provide op-

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), Important Pillars for the National Economy

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portunities to the small entrepreneurs to learn, to take risks, to experiment, to innovate and to compete with others.

Promoting Welfare: The small-scale industries are also very important for welfare reasons. People of small means can organize these industries. This in turn increases their income-levels and quality of life. As such these industries help in reducing poverty in the country. Further, these industries tend to promote equitable distribu-tion of income. Since income gets distributed among vast number of persons throughout the country, this help in the reduction of regional economic disparities.

Another advantage of great significance of these industries is the upgrading of the lives of the people in general. The freedom to work, self-reliance, self-confidence, enthusiasm to achieve and all such traits of a healthy nation can be built around the activities performed in these indus-tries. It also becomes possible to preserve the inherited skill of our artisans which would other-wise disappear. Moreover, many ills of urbaniza-tion and concentration inherent in large-scale industries can be avoided by setting up of small industries. All these benefits flow from the fact that these industries are highly labour-intensive, and that these can be set up anywhere in the country with small resources.

Problems Faced by Small-Scale IndustriesThe small-scale industries, despite their impor-tance for the economy, are not contributing to their full towards the development of the coun-try. It is because these industries are beset with a number of problems in regard to their opera-tions. These problems are discussed below.

Lack of standardization of products: Small pro-ducers don’t easily reach excellence in following standards in their productions and manage-ment systems. This is mainly due to lack of quali-fied personnel and good will in implementing

the international, regional and national stan-dards. It is recommended to the small industries to visit National Standards Bodies in order to get more knowledge of the available standardiza-tion programs for their products including buy-ing relevant standards, certification and testing of their products. This problem seriously hinders national economy as it lowers the number of products subject to export market.

Shortage of Raw Materials: Then there is the problem of raw materials which continues to plague these industries. Raw materials are avail-able neither in sufficient quantity, nor of req-uisite quality, nor at reasonable prices. Being small purchasers, the producers are not able to undertake bulk buying as the large industries can do. The result is taking whatever is available, of whatever quality and at high prices. This ad-versely affects their production, products, qual-ity and costs.Low-Level Technology: The methods of produc-tion which the small and tiny enterprises use are old and inefficient. The result is low productiv-ity, poor quality of products and high costs. The producers for lack of information know very little about modern technologies and training op-portunities which concerns them. There is little of research and development in this field in the country.

Competition from imported products: Another serious problem which these industries face is that of competition from similar imported prod-ucts. Imported products which are manufac-tured using the latest technologies with access to many facilities can easily out-price and out-sell the locally made products. With the liberal-ization of the economy nowadays, this problem has become all the more serious.

Compiled by Micheline Muhimpundu; Quality Inspector

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www.rwanda-standards.org

BY RBS

RBS STANDARDISATION MARKStandardization Mark

FOR QUALITY, SAFETY AND COMPETITIVENESS

Documents

RBS celebrated the World Standards Day 2013€¦ · 39. RBS Performed Verification of Fuel Dispensers for Phase one (from July -December 2013) 41. Substandard Water Meters on the