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African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO)
ARSO Central Secretariat
International House,3rd Floor Mama Ngina Street, Nairobi
Tel: (+254)-20-2224561, 3311641, 3311608.
Email: [email protected], [email protected]
Website: www.arso-oran.org
August 2015
THE 2ND CONTINENTAL STANDARDS ESSAY
COMPETITION REPORT
ANALYSE DU 2ER CONCOURS CONTINENTAL DE
DISSERTATION
Published by: ARSO Publishing House
ARSO Central Secretariat
P. O. Box 57363—00200 Nairobi, Kenya
Email: [email protected], [email protected]
English and French Text
by:
Diane Nyirarikundo—ARSO COCO
Email: [email protected]
Edited by: Hermogene Nsengimana — Secretary General, ARSO
Email: [email protected]
Reuben Gisore — Technical Director, ARSO
Email: [email protected]
Phillip Okungu — Documentation and Information Manager, ARSO
Email: [email protected]
Design by: Dan Kithome
ARSO IT
Email: [email protected]
Photos: ARSO Central Secretariat
As of: August 2015
Copyright: All Rights Reserved to the African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO)
i
Publishers information
Executive Summary
This document represents the report of the 2nd con-
tinetal essay competition. It provides an overview of
how the programme was conducted.
This entails:
Who the organisers are?
Message to the sponsors and judges
Analysis of the participants’ response
Analysis after the assessment
Essays of the Top 6 participants
A brief of the concept paper for the 3rd Conti-
nental Essay Competition
Sommaire Exécutif
Ce document représente le rapport du 2 eme con-
cours continental de dissertation. il donne un aperçu
a la façon dont le programme a été realise.
Cela implique:
Qui sont les organisateurs
Message aux bailleurs de fonds et aux juges
Analyse des réponses des participants
Analyse après l’évaluation
Essais des 6 Premiers participants
Un résume de la note conceptuelle pour le 3
eme concours continental de dissertation
ii
Top Six Winners of the 2nd CONTINENTAL ESSAY COMPETITION / Les 10 Premiers gagnants pour la 2ere COMPETITION CONTINENTAL DE DISSERTATION
Position One (1)
Yesashimwe Nehemie,
Position Three (3)
Ishimwe Diane
Position Two (2)
Karen Alibera Katabwa
Position Three (3)
Ike Chukwebuka Christopher
Position Two (2)
Julius P. Kessy
Position Three (3)
Jesse Kamunyu Ngugi
iii
2ND ESSAY CONTINENTAL COMPETITION POSITION OF 30 PARTICIPANTS
POSITION NAME / NOM AWARDED / DÉCERNÉ COUNTRY / PAYS
1. Yesashimwe Nehemiah 1st Continental Winner Rwanda
2. Julius P. Kessy 2nd Continental Winner Tanzania
3. Karen Alibera Katabwa 2nd Continental Winner Tanzania
4. Ishimwe Diane 3rd Continental Winner Rwanda
5. Ike Chukwebuka Christopher 3rd Continental Winner Nigeria
6. Jesse Kamuyu Ngugi 3rd Continental Winner Kenya
7. Nkajeh Kodjo Linda - Cameroon
8. Robert Paul Ikhuoria - Nigeria
9. Kimario Kevin J. - Tanzania
10. Toung II Peres - Cameroon
11. Ckikondi Hansini Banda - Zambia
12. Amiry Issa - Tanzania
13. Ogenge Job Keombe - Kenya
14. Nyabuto Christine Amani - Kenya
15. Pascal Livin Mashanga - Tanzania
16. Uwiragiye Julien - Rwanda
17. Florence Liziki Katingi - Kenya
18. Paul Kahara Njoroge - Kenya
19. Emmanuella Ongukoya Oluwasewa - Nigeria
20. Bantu Remos Namainga - Zambia
21. Mumbi Jonathan - Zambia
22. Mutabazi Eric - Rwanda
23. NgoBea Cornelie Raphael - Cameroon
24. Mwanza Obrian. C - Zambia
25. Ayeni Tayo Promise - Nigeria
26. Olanlenge Aisha - Nigeria
27. Pouokam Guy Bertrand - Cameroon
28. Mvondo Amtala Edouard - Cameroon
29. Lazarus Ngoma - Zambia
30. Mahoro Jean Bosco Geoffrey - Rwanda
Publishers Information
i Informations sur les éditeurs
Executive Summary ii
Sommaire Exécutif
2nd Essay Continental Competition Position of 30 Participants iii
Organisers v-vi
Organisateurs
Message to the Sponsors and Judges vii
Message aux bailleurs de fonds et aux juges
The Analysis Of The 1st Continental Standard Essay Competition Response 1
Analyse des réponses de la 1ère compétition continentale de dissertation
The Analysis of the Essay Response according to African Regions 3
Analyse des dissertations selon les régions Africaine
The Analysis of the Essay response according To Gender 4
Analyse des réponses des dissertations conformément au Sexe
The Analysis of the Essay response according to Language used In submitting the Essay 4
Analyse des réponses selon la langue utilisée dans la présentation des essais
Analysis of the Essay after the Assessment 5
| Analyse des dissertations après l ’évaluation.
Annex 1 –6 (6 Winners Essays) 7—22
Annexe 1 –6 (6 dissertations des gagnants)
Annex 7 (3rd CONTINENTAL ESSAY COMPETITION) 23
Annexe 7 (2ÈME CONCOURS CONTINENTAL DE DISSERTATION)
Contents
iv
Dr. Joseph I. Odumodu
President, ARSO
BOOTO à Ngon Charles
Vice President, ARSO
Mr. Katima Temba
Treasurer, ARSO
Hermogene Nsengimana, Phd
Secretary General, ARSO
ARSO is an intergovernmental body, established by
the African Union and UNECA in 1977 with the
principal mandate to harmonize African Standards
and conformity assessment procedures in order to
reduce Technical Barriers to Trade and therefore
promote intra African and international Trade as
well as enhance the industrialization of Africa.
Part of ARSO mandate is to ensure the well-being
and safety of the African Community. Thus being an
African organization, all the efforts to eradicate
poverty and ensure the youth are enlightened and
create a culture of quality among the youth is in line
with its vision and mission.
ARSO Vision Statement
To be an excellent standardisation center that
promotes trade and industry.
ARSO Mission Statement
To facilitate intra-African and global trade through
providing harmonised standards and facilitating
their implementation.
L’ORAN est un organisme intergouvernemental,
établi par l'Union africaine et l’UNECA en 1977 avec
le mandat principal d'harmoniser les normes
africaines et les procedures d'évaluation de la
conformité afin de réduire les obstacles techniques
au commerce et donc promouvoir le commerce
intra africain et international ainsi que renforcer
l'industrialisation de l'Afrique.
Une partie du mandat de l'ORAN est d'assurer le
bien-être et la sécurité de la communauté
Africaine. Cependant étant une organization
africaine, tous les efforts pour éradiquer la pauvreté
et s'assurer que les jeunes sont éclairés et créer une
culture de qualité chez les jeunes est conforme à sa
vision et sa mission.
Énoncé du Vision de l’ORAN
Pour être un excellent centre de normalisation qui
favorise le commerce et l’industrie.
Énoncé du Mission de l’ORAN
Pour faciliter le commerce intra-africain et mondial
par l'octroi des normes harmonisées et faciliter leur
mise en œuvre.
Organisers
African Organization for Standardization Organisation Africaine de Normalisation
ARSO OFFICIALS
v
Apex (Apex Management system-consults Ltd)
is a leading Kenyan management training
company with experiences of delivering a
broad range of ISO based management
training courses with clients from government
ministries, parastals, and institutions of higher
learning and private sector organizations. In
addition to this, Apex also runs the following:
The certified firms expo and plenary
sessions
Annual quality workshops
Directory of certified firms
Apex young professional
APEX (Apex Management system-consultas Ltd)
est une entreprise leader de la formation de
gestion du Kenya avec les expériences de
fournir une large gamme des cours de
formation de gestion basé sur ISO avec les
clients des ministères du gouvernement,
organismes parapublics, institutions de
l'enseignement supérieur et les organisations du
secteur privé.
En en plus de cela, Apex gère également ce
qui suit:
L’Expo des entreprises certifiées et les
séances plénières
Ateliers annuels de qualité
Annuaire des entreprises certifiées
Jeunes professionnel apex
vi
APEX OFFICIAL
Hellen Bosibori
Chief Executive Officer , APEX
1. PROCTOR AND GAMBLE
2. INTERTEK International Inc
3. DNV GL
4. Federal Metrology Institute — Germany (PTB)
Message to the Sponsors and Judges Message aux bailleurs de fonds et aux
juges
The organisers takes this chance to thank the spon-
sors of the 2nd Continental Essay Competition. It was
wonderful that once more you did lend a hand to us
and rekindled the spirit of corporation. Among the
sponsors include:
Les organisateurs saisissent cette occasion pour re-
mercier les bailleurs de fonds du 2eme concours
continental de dissertation. Encore une fois c’était
merveilleux de nous avoir donné un coup de main
et ravive l’esprit de corporation. Les bailleurs de
fonds incluent:
vii
To the judges, it would would have been not easier if
it where not for your hard work . The time was limited
but you managed to assess all the essays in good
time. Among the assessors included:
Pour les juges, il n’aurait pas été facile si ce n’était
pas dû à votre dur labeur . Le temps était limité,
mais vous avez réussi à évaluer tous les essais en
temps utile. Les évaluateurs incluent:
The organisers thank you for making the 2nd
Continental Essay Competition and made it success-
ful.
Les organisateurs vous remercient tous pour avoir
contribué au 2 e Concours Continental de disserta-
tion à être une réussite.
1. Mr. Reuben Gisore
2. Ms. Eva Oduor
3. Ms. Hellen Ogutu
4. Mr. Aime Ntahe
5. Ms. Diane Nyirarukundo
6. Ms. Maryann Wanjiru
The Analysis Of The 2nd Continental
Standard Essay Competition Response
Analyse des réponses de la 2e compétition
continentale de dissertation
In the year 2013, the organisers ARSO and Apex
came together and developed a programme that
would empower the youths and increase the public-
ity of Standard use in Africa. This program begun
with the 1st essay competition in 2013 wich had 12
countries in participation. Then 2014 the 2nd Essay
Competition followed with 6 countires in participa-
tion and the theme of the Essay was “the role of
standards in promoting sustainable sustainable Agri-
culture ,food Security and trade in Africa”. The com-
petittion was open for all the youths in Africa, who
are below the age of 35 years in colleges /
universities that are approved by their local commis-
sion for higher education.
The time frame for the essay submission was 1st De-
cember 2014 . After an analysis of the Essays re-
ceived by the ARSO Central Secretariat, 20% of
them met the requirements set for the participation
in the competition and thus await to be presented
to the assesors for review and grading. ARSO Central
Secretariat received a total of 30 essays from 6 Afri-
can countries.
Among the entry rules and conditions set included:
Be an African youth below 35years and studying
in a university recognised by the local commis-
sion for university education or equivalent body
in their countries.
Essay length be between 1000 and 1200 words
Double spaced and presented in century gothic
font, size 12
To be presented in English or French language
Participant to submit a registration form that is
completely filled and stamped by the head of
department in their respective colleges/
universitie
The Analysis was done considering the following
factors:
Country and number of participant from each
Country
African Regions
Gender
Language used in the submission of the Essay
En 2013, les organisateurs, ORAN et APEX se sont réu-
nis et mis au point un programme qui épaulerait les
jeunes et augmenterait la prise de conscience sur
l’utilisation des normes en Afrique.
Ce programme commencé avec le 1er concours
de dissertation en 2013 avait 12 pays en matière de
participation et puis 2014, le 2e Concours de disser-
tation a suivi avec 6 pays dans la participation et le
thème de l’essai a été " le rôle des normes dans la
promotion durable Agriculture , Sécurité Alimentaire
et le commerce en Afrique ‘’. La compétition était
ouverte pour tous les jeunes Africains âges de mois
de 35 ans étudiant dans les collèges / universités qui
sont approuvés par leur commission locale de l'en-
seignement supérieur.
Le délai pour la présentation d’essai a été le 1er
Décembre 2014. Le Secrétariat central de l’ORAN
a reçu un total de 30 essais à partir de 6 pays afri-
cains. Après une analyse des Essais reçues ,20 %
d'entre eux satisfait aux exigences fixées pour la par-
ticipation à la compétition et donc attendent d'être
présenté aux évaluateurs pour examinés et classés.
Les règles et les conditions d’entrée incluent ;
Etre un jeune Africain âgé de moins de 35 ans et
étudiant dans une université reconnue par la
commission locale pour l’enseignement universi-
taire ou un organisme équivalent dans leurs
pays.
La longueur de la dissertation située entre 1000
et 1200 mots
Double interligne et présenté en style gothique,
taille12
A être présenté en langue Anglais et Française
Participant nécessite en soumettre un formulaire
d’inscription complètement remplie et signe par
le chef du département dans leur collèges/
universités respectifs.
L’analyse a été faite en tenant compte des facteurs
suivants :
Le pays et le nombre de participants de chaque
pays
Régions africaines
Sexe
Langue utilisée dans la présentation de l’essai
1
The diagrams below shows the total num-
ber of participants from the 6 Countrys that
responded
Les schémas ci-dessous montrent le
nombre total des participants des 6 pays
qui ont répondu
Figure 1:
Figure 2:
2
Country / Pays Number Of Participants / Nombre des participants
Cameroon 5
Kenya 5
Nigeria 5
Rwanda 5
Tanzania 5
Zambia 5
TOTAL 30 PARTICIPANTS
Figure 3:
The Analysis of the Essay Response
according to African Regions:
Analyse des réponses des dissertations se-
lon les régions Africaine:
The clustering and classification of states in Africa
was done as per UNECA classification. The states are
organised in five sub regions namely:
Among the States that Participated Include:
North Africa: participants: none (0%)
West Africa: participants: Nigeria (1%)
Central Africa: participants: Cameroon (1%)
Eastern Africa: participants: Kenya, Rwanda,
Tanzania (3%)
Southern Africa: participants: Zambia (1%)
This data is summarized in the chart below:
Le regroupement et la classification des Etats en
Afrique se faisaient selon la classification de l’UNE-
CA. Les états sont organisés en cinq sous –régions, à
savoir:
Les régions qui ont participé incluent :
Afrique du Nord: participants: Aucun (0 %)
Afrique de l'Ouest : participants : Nigeria (1 %)
Afrique centrale : participants : Cameroun (1 %)
Afrique de l'Est : participants : Kenya, Rwanda,
Tanzanie (3 %)
L'Afrique australe: participants : la Zambie (1 %)
Ces données sont résumées dans le tableau ci –
dessous:
3
Figure 5:
The Analysis of the Essay response
according To Gender
Analyse des réponses des dissertations
conformément au Sexe
Among the 30participants, 9 were females, which
give a percentage of 30 % and 21were men, which
give a percentage of 70%. This information is sum-
marized in the pie chart below:
Parmi les 30 participants, 9 étaient des femmes don-
nant un pourcentage de 30 % et 21 étaient des
hommes donnant un pourcentage de 70%. Cette
Information est resume dans le schema ci-dessous:
Figure 4:
The Analysis of the Essay response accord-
ing to Language used In submitting the Es-
say
According to the concept paper the essays were
either to be submitted in English or French language.
After the analysis the number of essay that were
submitted in English were 25 and the numbers of es-
says submitted in French were 5, as presented in the
chart below.
Analyse des réponses selon la langue
utilisée dans la présentation des essais
Selon le document de réflexion, les essais devaient
être soumis soit en Anglais ou en Français.
Apres l’analyse, le nombre des essais qui ont été
soumis en Anglais était 25 et le nombre des essais
présente en Français était 5, tel que présenté dans
le tableau ci-dessous :
4
NAME OF PARTICIPANT/ NOM DES PARTICIPANTS COUNTRY/ PAYS Mark Awarded % /
Points Accordés %
1. Yesashimwe Nehemiah Rwanda 85.5%
2. Julius P. Kessy Tanzania 79%
3. Karen Alibera Katabwa Tanzania 79%
4. Ike chukwebuka Christopher Nigeria 78%
5. Ishimwe Diane Rwanda 78%
6. Joseph Kamunyu Ngugi Kenya 78%
7. Nkajeh Kodjo Linda Cameroon 77%
8. Robert Paul Ikhuoria Nigeria 76%
9. Kimario Kevin J. Tanzania 75%
10. Toung II Peres Cameroon 74%
Figure 6: Table show the Marks Awarded to top
10 participants
Figure 6: Tableau indiquant les notes attribuées
au 10 premiers participants
Analysis of the Essay after Assessment
After the assessment by the judges, Yesashimwe Ne-
hemiah from Rwanda emerged the overall winner
of the 2nd Continental Essay competition.
As earlier mentioned, the initial plan was to have
winners at national level, regional and continental
level, but due to low response in some countries, to
an extend of having one participant, the national
and Regional level winner could not be awarded. In
that note the, winners for the continental level are
as follows:
Continental Level
1st position at Continental level
Yesashimwe Nehemiah- Rwanda
2nd position at Continental level
Julius P. Kessy – Tanzania
Karen Alibera Katabwa -Tanzania
3rd position at Continental level
Ishimwe Diane - Rwanda
Ike chukwebuka Christopher- Nigeria
Joseph Kamuyu Ngugi - Kenya
Analyse de dissertation après l’évaluation
Après évaluation par les juges, Yesashimwe Ne-
hemiah du Rwanda ressort gagnant du 2e concours
de dissertation continental.
Le plan initial consistait à avoir un gagnant au ni-
veau national, régional et continental, mais en rai-
son de la faible participation dans certains pays afri-
cains, un gagnant au niveau national et régional,
ne pouvait pas être désigné. A cette observation ,
les gagnants au niveau continental, sont présentes
comme suit :
Les gagnants sur le plan continental sont :
1ère position
Yesashimwe Nehemiah- Rwanda
2ème position
Julius P. Kessy – Tanzania
Karen Alibera Katabwa -Tanzania
3ème position
Ishimwe Diane - Rwanda
Ike chukwebuka Christopher- Nigeria
Joseph Kamuyu Ngugi - Kenya
5
Mark awarded: % ./ Points Accordés % Participants
0≥10.5% 0
10.6≥20.5% 0
20.6≥30.5% 0
30.6≥40.5% 1
40.6≥50.5% 3
50.6≥ 60.5% 11
60.6≥ 70.5% 14
70.6≥80.5% 10
80.6≥90.5% 1
90.6≥100% 0
TOTAL 30
Figure 8: The Scores Distribution Curve Figure 8: La courbe de distribution des Scores
Figure 7: shows the distribution of marks Figure 7: montre la distribution des points
6
ANNEX 1: Yesashimwe Nehemiah
UNIVERSITY OF RWANDA
Field of study: Forestry and Nature Conservation
Level of Study: Level III
College: College Of Agriculture, Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine—Rwanda
Email: [email protected]
Title: The role of standards in promoting sustainable agriculture, food security and trade in Africa
Many researches and reports by the African Organization for Standardization (ARSO) have defined the role
of standards on the African continent. For example, the uses of standards in agriculture associated with the
natural fertility of African lands make Africa a very productive continent year after year. Easier accesses to
quality products, fast transportation of goods inside and outside Africa, as well as sophisticated service de-
livery methods, are all benefits of standards in general. According to ARSO; standards are moral rules
which should be obeyed. These rules control the use and distribution of products, techniques and re-
searches on the market with a purpose to protect the environment and ensure the welfare of consumers.
Regarding agribusiness, standards act as primary facilitators to farmers while increasing the agricultural
yield and improving the quality of farm products. It is therefore understandable that standards bring a solu-
tion to major African concerns notably food insecurity and weak trade. Those concerns are consequences
of many factors such as land use inefficiency and environmental disasters. In brief, many of Africa’s prob-
lems in agriculture and trade occur because of poor management and standards negligence. Towards
sustainable agriculture, food security and strong trade in Africa, standards contribute by enhancing preci-
sion farming, removing barriers to market access and also by adding value to agricultural products. Below
is a detailed explanation of how standards are able to do so.
One role of standards is that they help farmers to increase yield by promoting precision farming through
soil, fertilizer, plant and water tests. It has now been many decades cultivating African lands. Before, they
were fertile. However, due to climate change combined with overgrazing and over-cultivation, only some
soils remain suitable for crop production; yet farmers have to know best areas to cultivate on so as to avoid
wasting money and time invested in unproductive agriculture.
Unfortunately, it is not possible for each farmer to identify fertile and unfertile soils. It is only through labora-
tory tests and technological analyses that standard agents can locate proper areas for cultivation and
identify the types of crops suitable for those areas. The success of those tests is achieved by using GPS sam-
pling methods, fertility mapping, soil sampling, seed field trials, field inspection, lab research, etc. Then, at
the end of the test, a farmer can know a proper area to cultivate in, types of crops to grow there, amount
and kinds of fertilizers to use, irrigation water requirements, as well as proper management operations in
agriculture. That is what sustainable agriculture really means, although only a few African countries are
able to do that.
Looking at one example of Rwanda, standardization improved soil porosity when the Rwanda Standards
Bureau banned non-biodegradable plastic bags which used to prevent water, air and plant roots from
penetrating into the soil. Thanks to that decision, Rwanda’ increased banana production resulted in the
establishment of numerous beer factories. Now, Rwanda is exporting beer to Burundi, Uganda and The
Democratic Republic of Congo in the exchange of other goods such as fish.
Another major role of standards is that they remove barriers to market access by making importation and
exportation easier. According to the laws of borders, every import country requires that entering products
comply with minimum grades and conditions so as to check product quality, promote environmental pro-
tection and prioritize consumer health. These conditions are different depending on the product and the
country of import and export. Thus, producers and exporters have to voluntarily get their products certified
by a standards agency prior to exportation.
7
This step by step process ensures maximum security on country borders, prevents diseases associated with
import goods, and enables both importers and exporters to keep records. In Tanzania, Kenya and Soma-
lia, where countries border the ocean, standardization is a paramount step in shipping agricultural goods
overseas. In those countries, standardization not only focuses on the quality of products but also on how
transport facilities are settled.
During the exportation-importation process, standards are also important when it comes to labeling. For
example, the labeling of corn flours according to quality with numbers (one, two and three) allowed corn
flour consumers to make choices depending on their preferences and financial capacity. Like this, stand-
ard bodies contribute to the realization of enhanced African intra-trade by assisting entrepreneurs in get-
ting product and service certificates easily on the borders. This not only facilitates food access and ex-
change across the continent but also transforms Africa into a place for job creation and employment op-
portunities; hence the effectiveness of trade in Africa.
Last but not the least, standards promote sustainable agriculture, food security and trade in Africa by add-
ing value to agricultural products both quantitatively and qualitatively. Quantitative benefits of standards
in agribusiness include the reduction of post harvest losses while qualitative benefits include keeping agri-
cultural products clean since they are planted until they reach the market.
Despite Africa’s food crisis, tons of produce are lost on farms because of birds. Other food quantity and
quality are lost during storage period because of inappropriate storage facilities which allow insect pests
damage, pathogenic diseases and decay. Fish, meat, milk and other products which can easily rot are
often thrown away due to their quick expiration. The role of standards in these cases is that regular inspec-
tion is done in industries and shops in order to avoid the selling of damaged or diseased goods. All those
tests ensure that farm products are harvested healthily and kept under proper storage conditions where
there are minimum losses. These tests also promote quality through regular checks and testing before pro-
cessing.
In many ways, successful trade of agricultural products depends on their quality because nowadays con-
sumers are concerned about their health. When crops are planted in compliance with standards from the
beginning of cultivation, high quality products are produced and this facilitates creating bigger markets
around farmers. As result, African citizens can have diversified, easily accessed, safe and cheap food.
In summary, there are many benefits of considering standards while transforming Africa’s agriculture and
trade into sustainable sectors. On the way to food security and improved trade of agricultural products,
African farmers have standards and management as major contributors in achieving better future goals.
That is because voluntarily respecting standards in agribusiness contributes a lot in making African prod-
ucts more accessible, increased, competitive and cheaper to customers by addressing the issues of impre-
cise agriculture, market barriers and low value of agricultural products. Therefore, the African Organization
for Standardization should continue to give its advice and support until all African farmers and agricultural
traders understand the role of standards in changing Africa’s alimentation and economic statuses.
8
ANNEX 2: Julius P. Kessy
Course: Doctor of Medicine
Level: 3 Level
University: Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Tanzania
Email: [email protected]
Title: “Standards awakening Africa; A sleeping agricultural giant”
An approach to 2015 alerts Africa in accomplishing the promises set in delivery of Millennium Development
Goals and prioritizing “standards” preliminary to the hunger target is undeniable towards hastening its
achievement. Standards are “gauges” for precisely measuring and improving the quality of life to bring
conformity with accepted criterion. ISO regards standard as a document that provides requirements,
specifications, guidelines or characteristics that can be used consistently to ensure that materials, prod-
ucts, processes and services are fit for their purpose. These are laid right at the basic stage of production to
the marketing stage for end consumer satisfaction and comforting human rights in all sectors. Agriculture
isn’t exception as standards anchor in farmers to sustainably utilize a healthy and productive land without
compromising future generations.
Africa is undoubtedly a sleeping agricultural giant endowed with ample land, water resources and pos-
sessing a comparative advantage of producing both food and export crops unfortunately Africa’s agricul-
ture has always been uncertain famines being documented from pre-colonial times till today without for-
getting the images of dead cows and dried up crops. Its international trade environment is more receptive
for agricultural exports though faces standards related price swings in marketing arena following aggres-
sive competition from highly standard commodities of her western counterparts.
As standards intervene isn’t optional to this point, the overarching concern of this paper is to address the
contribution of standards from pre-plantation to the post-harvesting and bioprocessing activities beyond
the farm gate.
Nowadays imported seeds are liable to germination problems, pests and diseases attacks. Furthermore
artificial fertilizer is another field of challenge recruiting standards attention. Their detrimental effects dis-
turbing standardized soil chemistry are attributed to our inability to align with issues relating to prescribed
standards and conformity assessment as Africa’s greatest barrier to expand its agriculture and generate
more produce to sustain domestic trade. Improper standards guiding fast action e.g. of nitrogen based
fertilizers has increased soil salinity in some areas resulting into crop burns rendering low yields. Such poor
standards adherence in lowering high chemical concentrations of these fertilizers kills beneficial soil mi-
crobes which mineralize and compete for nutrients to sustain crop diversity and productivity to feed the
starving population. E.g. a fertilizer bag might display an N-P-K ratio of 21-3-20 meaning little granules inside
9
contain 21% Nitrogen, 3% Phosphorus and 20% Potassium but 21%+3%+20%=44%, where is 56%? These are
chemical additives and industrial wastes that standards need to minimize into permissible levels. Predomi-
nantly synthetic fertilizers replenish big three nutrients awhile depleting essential nutrients and minerals for
soil and crop health resulting to increased crop susceptibility to pests and diseases. These call dynamism in
standards regarding crop protection products as climate change is evidenced to favour pest populations
posing a threat to their control. Additionally their incredible ability of mutating to more resistant species
requires stricter standards as varieties of pesticide formulations emerge.
Traditional farming practices e.g. crop rotation utilize nature where leguminous crops fix nitrogen into usa-
ble forms for non-leguminous ones such practices require a standards accompaniment regarding crop
protection products as substandard ones choke nature’s pathway to produce nitrogen which partly is nat-
ural nitrogen fertilizer in soil resulting in stunted growth and lower crop yields to meet food demands. Some
pesticide residues are persistent soil contaminants with more toxic breakdown products percolating eco-
systems to plants and animals making our agricultural exports vulnerable to stricter food safety and health
standards than corresponding international standards as in European Union and United States markets.
There standards regulate maximum residue limits for pesticides and veterinary drugs in crop and animal
products to fairly compete foreign capabilities.
The world isn’t static as now battling for food security gets furthered to agricultural biotechnology which
needs experts with depth of studies in standards related fields as this technology inserts genes in plants cre-
ating crops humankind want. The microbes in soil act as natural pesticides but their toxin-producing genes
are now genetically engineered in crops whose widespread growing encourages pests’ resistance putting
crops at risk. The fate of such technology is what we witness now tinned foods containing transplanted pig
genes raising hot debates on religious grounds and in this case food safety standards should speculate be-
yond labels for ethical protection of human rights. Africa should also think of genetic contamination by
seeds and cross pollination to pure crops of the same species as it might be impossible to fully clean up our
continent from self-propagating genetic pollution which probably could outlast the effects of global
warming and nuclear wastes. This technology seeks national standard bodies’ attention and it is a snare to
Africa’s agriculture
Standards extend into safeguarding farmers against under-weighting, counterfeit repackaging of fertilizers
and assuring a genuine product as standard bodies undertake quality control inspections in manufactur-
ing process against substandard raw materials, poor product mixing and chemical additives in factories,
open market checks on misbranded, misleading or absent labels, standards mark, expiry dates, poor quali-
ty bags and storage facilities. The exemplary implementation of standards is a 2012 country-wide cam-
paign by YARA Tanzania Limited in collaboration with Tanzania Fertilizer Regulatory Authority against trad-
ers engaging in counterfeiting YARA fertilizer by reusing bags bearing YARA trade mark where 88 bags of
10
fake repackaged fertilizer were caught. This pictures a tireless work of Tanzania Bureau of Standards and its
2014 revised standards TZS 159:2006, Fertilizer-method of sampling reveals commitment to promote agricul-
ture for food security that sights beyond surplus into safe nutritious food to maintain a healthy life. To that
juncture standards advocate problems of food safety in relation to health from locally processed food, fer-
mented food products to industrial produced food using specific microbiological Standards and to check
the spread of food-borne related illnesses they supervise hygiene in food production and sale areas. The
implementation of ARS 582:1989(E) standard; information on packaged labels covering requirements for
the labeling of prepackaged products with constant nominal content being; the name and place of busi-
ness of the manufacturer, distributor, packer, retailer or importer and the net quantity of the product has
ensured consumer health through conformity to indicated packaged labels also facilitating African trade
by reducing rejections, and lengthy border quality control procedures.
Standards inspect agricultural machines and perhaps it’s the reason for ARSO to think of mechanical
standards making sure they suit agro-climatic and soil conditions with excellent fuel efficiency, high perfor-
mance and durability for modern farming practices as for irrigation equipment. Standards also observe
maximum microbial levels in pre-harvest crop contact irrigation by scanning their Colony Forming Units
(CFU) per milliliter in monitoring irrigation water quality.
Today everything is automatically operated. In some important sectors including agriculture automation is
partially adopted. Standards supervise more agricultural innovations like installing weather automation sys-
tems in greenhouses for monitoring temperature, humidity, soil moisture and sunlight from natural environ-
ment to achieve maximum crop growth and yields. Flexibility in electronics standards improves changes in
software making these systems economical, portable with low greenhouse maintenance.
As openers to corridors of food security standards influence proper connective logistics from surplus to mar-
keting areas. They also maintain high quality telecommunications for market data dissemination on perish-
able products allowing a fair market supply-demand comparison so that Africa can feed itself and be the
world’s marketing ground. Save Africa save the world.
11
ANNEX 3: KAREN ALIBELA KATABWA
Course: BSc. Computer Engineering and Information Technology
Level: 4th year
University: University of Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
Email: [email protected]
Title: Role of Standards in promoting sustainable Agriculture, food security and trade in Africa.
A newborn child is unaware of whatsoever happening in the world. From the very first moment he will learn
to breast feed, later to sit down, crawl, walk and many other things up to the ultimate stage of being self-
dependent. Thus, humans have nature of learning throughout their lifetime in order to accomplish numer-
ous things for a prosperous living.
We cannot argue the truth that Africa, despite of its richness in natural resources, is still underdeveloped
compared to other continents like America and Europe. Africans desire for a continent that is able to
meet for their basic needs such as food, shelter, security and employment in a sustainable manner. Some
of main discussion topics among African youths are; when will Africa develop? Why do jobs pay more in
developed nations?
The answer can be summarized in one sentence, that developed nations ensure quality and standards of
goods, products and services at high level to optimize abundant productivity.
The question is; how do they ensure that all goes on well and why cannot Africa make it to that point?
Having procedures that are loyally followed and constantly learnt from one generation to the next may be
among the reasons that make it happen. Thus, due regard should be given to raise awareness among am-
bitious, fast thinkers youths who can give better ideas on standardization as a driving force for Africa’s sus-
tainable development.
Sustainable is defined as involving the use of natural products and energy in a way that does not harm the
environment (Oxford 7th ed.).
With the prominent problem of unemployment among many graduates from Universities, youths of this
generation should be encouraged to learn and practice standards in order to maintain a competitive Afri-
ca.
ISO (International Organization for Standardization) defines standard as a document that provides require-
ments, specifications, guidelines or characteristics that can be used consistently to ensure that materials,
products, processes and services are fit for their purposes. ISO comprises of 164 national standards organi-
zations, TBS (Tanzania Bureau of Standards) being among them to promote standardization in industry and
commerce.
Agriculture is the science or practice of farming (Oxford 7th ed.). Food security exists when all people at all
times have access to sufficient, safe, nutritious food to maintain a healthy and active life (WHO n.d).
Africa encounters enormous challenges that make it a major victim of poverty, food insecurity and poor in
both inter and intra Africa trade, to mention a few;
To begin with, unfavorable weather conditions including drought and heavy rains usually lead to desertifi-
cation and floods affecting both small and large scale farmers, since they occur without warning. Also,
there is harvest loss leading to hunger and poverty among families and the global population at large. The
following chart is an evidence of food insecurity condition in the world with high percentage in developing
12
nations.
Lack of information on the use of high technology tools and paramount methods of cultivation is a major
hindrance to high productivity in agricultural systems.
An uneven development strategy between rural and urban areas has contributed to presence of poor in-
frastructure systems particularly in rural areas despite the fact that most food comes from there. So distribu-
tion to the market becomes difficult and the farmers harvest in vain.
Underutilization of the available natural resources is an acute crisis that leads to poverty. Most of our water
bodies such as rivers and lakes could be used for farming and fishing since these areas provide the best
conditions necessary for cultivation like irrigation.
Agriculture, leaving alone mining, is one of the most income generating activity in Africa since the industrial
revolution is still progressing at a slower pace. In this manner we are to consider shifting from purely agricul-
ture to the business side of it for profit, known as agribusiness, for sustainable food security and trade conse-
quently. A good example is the current campaign in Tanzania “Kilimo Kwanza” which incorporates mod-
ernization of agriculture to increase crop production, improve livestock husbandry and undertake fish farm-
ing.
Most of the global food supply comes from a collection of small scale harvest. Agriculture alone without its
products is a major platform for development owing to the fact that most people get employed and con-
sequently are able to provide for their essential needs and the world at large.
To ensure a prominent agricultural system we ought to develop it from the pro-
duction process through imparting knowledge to small scale farmers on good
means of farming. For instance greenhouse farming where a small area pro-
duces big impact in harvests and promises continuous production, ensure effi-
cient water utilization through the use of proper standards of farming machin-
ery.
Zero grazing is another means of good farming where livestock are
confined in one place to feed and drink while other animal hus-
bandry activities take place and thus environmental conservation.
The confinement allows animals to use most of the energy from
feeds for growth and milk production. The milk produced will meet
the standards for example TZS 1384:2011 as noted by TBS.
Standards have led to the manufacture of high quality technological tools like tractors and other automat-
ed machinery. These help to reduce physical labor and make farming easier.
Markets should make sure food crops that are brought in meet the standards to ensure the best quality of
farmers’ harvests to bring about better competition in the global market.
Infrastructure system construction should adhere to standards for the provision of long lasting and high
quality systems. So farmers’ crops can be easily transported timely and at lower costs.
Standards on fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides will provide crop protection materials that are non-
pollutant and vulnerable to continuing environmental changes. For example ISO 5316:1977 standard for
fertilizers- extraction of water-soluble phosphates.
Raising awareness on deforestation through the International Carbon Footprint Standard will ensure the
availability of water. One example was during the 2014 United Nations Climate summit, Norway promised
to pay Liberia $150m to stop deforestation by 2020 since Liberia is home to a significant part of West Afri-
13
ca’s remaining rainforest.
Furthermore, handling of waste water through standards such as ISO/PC 253 will provide recycled water
for irrigation since water is the heart of agriculture.
Moreover, proper use of high quality seed varieties that can endure environmental changes should be ad-
hered to ensure secure food supply.
TBS has given a helping hand in agriculture by finalizing a good number of standards. Its efforts have not
ended here; it has been conducting trainings since 2009 contending commercial farmers to adhere to
packaging standards and skills to be able to compete in the local and international markets. For example
the seminar in Iringa region to rice farmers.
However; as concluding remarks, the significance of agriculture in Africa and the world at large, cannot
be underestimated. Considering statistics reported in 2013 by International Finance Corporation (IFC), Agri-
culture accounts for nearly half of Africa’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and employs 60 percent of the
labor force. Thus to make it sustainable, Africans ought to merge it with standards for appealing results in-
cluding food security, trade in and outside Africa to increase revenue and consequently raise the stand-
ard of living of among Africans which is the greatest desire of all.
REFERENCES
Kilimo Kwanza. (n.d)Retrieved from www.tanzaniaembassy.be
McGrath, M. (2014). Liberia signs ‘transformational’ deal to stem deforestation. Retrieved from
www.bbc.com
Tanzania Bureau of Standards. (2011). Announcer A Biannual Bulletin of TBS: ISSN 0856-0374. Dar es Salaam.
Retrieved from www.tbs.go.tz
Tanzania Bureau of Standards. Farmers Urged to Embrace Packaging Skills. Retrieved from www.tbs.go.tz
Tanzania Bureau of Standards. Welcome to Tanzania Bureau of Standards. (n.d). Retrieved from
www.tbs.go.tz
Tanzanian farmer demonstrates potential of greenhouse farming. (2012). Retrieved from
www.africanfarming.net
This Is Africa. (2013). African agribusiness A new growth story. Financial Times. Retrieved from
www.thisisafricaonline.com
Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary (7th ed.). (2006). New York, Oxford University Press.
World Health Organization. (n.d.). Food Security. Retrieved from www.who.it/trade/glossary/story028/en
www.fao.org
14
ANNEX 4: ISHIMWE DIANE
Course: Department of Pharmacy
Level: 3rd year
University: University of Rwanda, Rwanda
Email: [email protected]
Title: The role of Standards in promoting sustainable agriculture and food security in Africa. .
It is commonly known that agriculture is the main sector contributing to the survival of Africans. Its main ob-
jective is to feed the world, and this makes it the basic source of food security in Africa. However, many
problems still challenge this sector and oppose its development. There is need to discuss the role of stand-
ards in eradicating those problems and promote sustainable agriculture as well as food security. This essay
will make a detailed view of those difficulties; give a basic understanding of standards and sustainability,
provide solutions by giving clear examples on how standards can contribute highly to the sustainability of
agriculture and food security; and it ends by proposing what can be done to make standardization pro-
cesses more common to all African populations.
Agriculture in Africa is facing many challenges that affect food production and trade. Among them are
included environment degradation hazards, socio economic problems and political oriented difficulties.
Hans (1989) reported degradation of agricultural reserve base as a result of desertification, drought and
climate change processes. The gross neglect of rural infrastructures and rural development has resulted in
fragmented agricultural production and agricultural markets, heavy post-harvest losses and a general
strangulation of production. The increasing population growth in Africa highly affects food security by put-
ting high pressure on land and generating higher demand in food. Accordingly, social issues including
growing inequalities between population groups within countries, inadequate or ineffective social protec-
tion systems and safety nets and discrimination against vulnerable groups, such as women on one hand
and indigenous people on the other, often prevent progress in overcoming hunger and malnutrition (UN
General Assembly, 2013). In addition, governments in Africa do not always support efforts to increase food
security, e.g. where there is conflict, lack of political will, incoherent policies and programmes and lack of
services in rural areas. The UN General Assembly (2013) report highlights the way agricultural researches
have been ineffective because in most cases research findings were inconsistent with traditional farming
practices and have been rejected by traditional farmers.
The common meaning of standards goes with assessment of the quality of a specific commodity. Conse-
quently, this is not far from the reality in agriculture, as standards encourage adoption of agricultural pro-
duction and handling practices that are environmentally responsible, equitable, and socioeconomically
viable; that meet current global demand for a full range of agricultural products; and that assure to satisfy
needs of future generations (Leonardo, 2013). Sustainability is another term emerging to standards, con-
cerned with a long duration of qualitative agricultural practices. It deals with technical issues to ensure the
quality of agriculture by assessing soil and water conservation, integrated pest, disease and weed man-
agement, pesticide risk reduction, wildlife habitat and biodiversity conservation, safe and fair working con-
ditions. Thus, standards play an important role in agriculture sustainability.
Agriculture in Africa has taken another angle of view; the use of chemical fertilizers has been a characteris-
tic of agricultural practices in Africa. What is known nowadays is that African soils can be fertile only when
chemical fertilizers are applied. It came this way since the input of agrochemical fertilizers was successful
and produced more yields than traditional agriculture practices. Besides, UNCTAD (2009) reported that ag-
rochemicals have been found to be unsustainable in Africa because 90% of agrochemicals are imported
15
and most of the small-scale farmers cannot afford. In addition to that, chemical fertilizers have been found
to be harmful to the environment through greenhouse gases emissions and leaching of toxic substances
from fertilizers into the soil. Moreover, agricultural products are beard to the market by producers and with-
out checking for their quality, are quickly bought by industries for food processing and transformation in
what is called food for consumers. There is a lack of sufficient experience and entrepreneurial capacity
especially in the areas of marketing and agro-processing, insufficient awareness of international product
quality standards and ability to comply with them, inadequate infrastructure for post-harvest management
and agro-processing.
One way through which standards solve African agriculture and food security challenges, is by promoting
traditional and ecological agricultural practices. Africa is a continent containing much natural strengths. It
should build on its land, local resources, indigenous plant varieties and limited use of agrochemicals to in-
crease agricultural productivity by using sustainable agricultural practices that minimize harm to the envi-
ronment and build soil fertility. However, the use of chemical fertilizers exhibited harmful effects to the envi-
ronment as well as quality of products which might contain toxic elements, a constraint to food security.
Standards can be of great importance by encouraging limitation of chemical fertilizer input, and promo-
tion of organic fertilizers such as compost, mulch, cover crops and crop rotation. For example, for 20,000
farmers in Tigray, one of the most degraded zones in Ethiopia previously, crops yields of major cereals and
pulses have almost doubled through the use of ecological agricultural practices such as composting, wa-
ter and soil conservation activities, agroforestry, and crop diversification (AU Conference, 2008). The adop-
tion of traditional agricultural practices in Africa is beneficial not only for agriculture sustainability but also
for food security and in increasing African farmer’s earnings. For example in Uganda, organic exports quin-
tupled in five years i.e. from $4.6 million in 2002/2003 to $22.8 million in 2007/2008. Price premiums for farm-
ers range from 30 to 200 per cent (UNCTAD, 2009).
To face the problem of a nascent and still insufficiently developed system for monitoring and controls in
the area of sanitary, phytosanitary and food safety standards, there is need to set up or strengthen laws
and regulations for standards about adequate agricultural practices and food safety. Collaboration be-
tween organizations in charge of agriculture and food security and standards as well as governments and
international organization is of great necessity. Extension services should be strengthened to make popula-
tion familiar with standards laws and regulations. Therefore, communication through media, radios, TV, e-
communication (telephone) must be used to spread information about practices that may improve the
quality of agriculture, strengthen sanitary, phytosanitary and food safety and sensitize producers.
In short, standards play an important role in agriculture sustainability and food security as they deal with
the quality of products beard to the market and services given to the population. In Africa, percentages
of people suffering from hunger and malnutrition are still high due to insufficient and insecure food pro-
duced by inadequate agricultural practices. Besides, climate change and other environmental degrada-
tion hazards are challenging the African agricultural production. Insufficient infrastructures and roads pre-
sent another problem of transportation of products to the market. However, standards can contribute to
face all those problems and therefore promote agricultural production through the implementation of
good and adequate agricultural practices that improve the quality of products and African soils as well.
There is need to set up a system of standardization and spread information to the population for sustaina-
ble agriculture. It requires collaboration between organizations in charge of agriculture and food security
and bodies in charge of standards. With this collaboration, the objectives of standards will be achieved,
sustainable agriculture will improve food security and lives of African people will be saved.
16
REFERENCES
Hans d’Orville, 1989. The Challenges of agricultural production and food security
in Africa: A report to the proceedings of an international
conference organized by the Africa leadership forum. Otta,
Nigeria, 1989
United Nations General Assembly, 2013. Agriculture development, food security
and nutrition: Report of the Secretary General
United Nations Conference on trade and development (UNCTAD), 2009.
Sustaining African agriculture: Organic production, February
2009
Report of the African Union Conference on Ecological Agriculture: Mitigating
Climate Change, Providing Food Security and Self-Reliance for Rural Livelihoods in Africa Addis Ababa: 26–
28 November 2008.
Leonardo Academy, 2013. National Sustainable Agriculture Standard November
25, 2013—DRAFT Madison, WI.
17
ANNEX 5: IKE CHUKWUEBUKA CHRISTOPHER
Course: Mechanical Engineering
Level: 5th Year
University: FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, OWERRI IMO STATE NIGERIA
Email: [email protected]
“THE ROLE OF STANDARDS IN ACHIEVING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN AFRICA”
Meaningful progress can only be achieved when any nation persistently and tirelessly goads its efforts, in
achieving sustainable development in every facet of its endeavors. The tenets of sustainable development
are enshrined in protecting the interest of future generations in the course of catering for present needs,
and this translates to not only constantly seeking to achieve ecological balance while exploiting our natu-
ral resources, but also meeting the socio-economic needs of the people. The backbone of sustainability
however lies in continuous improvement, which can only be achieved when standards are properly har-
monized and conformed to among key players in international trade. Compared with other developed
nations of the world, it’s quite glaring that the African community is yet to meet up with expectations in
terms of food security, trade and sustainable development, as the continent has been for several years
confronted with technical barriers which has kept trade rather low. A keen understudy of the challenges
confronting Africa today, would reveal that the vital missing link keeping Africa from attaining great heights
of achievement, is the low level of conformity to standards across its industries particularly Agriculture. This
literary work, gives a crystal clear illustration of how proper harmonization, setting and conformity to stand-
ards would not only aid in achieving increased food security, but also boost trade and give momentum to
sustainable Agriculture.
Agriculture has beyond doubts been one of the major pillars of the world economy, as it has contributed
immensely to international trade and also supported life on earth. Without Agriculture, survival of mankind
would be impossible. With a population of over one billion and still growing [1], the capacity of the conti-
nent to meet with the dietary needs of its populace, has been very limited, and this added with wide-
spread poverty has given rise to food insecurity, thus making nutritious food, a luxury to many. Food security
is a term used to describe a situation where a given population not only have access to good food, but
can also afford it. At a world summit in Rome 1996, food security was said to exist when “all people at all
times have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to meet their dietary
needs and food preference for an active and healthy life” [2]. Despite the large number of persons need-
ing food in Africa, our agrarian economy is still very much at subsistence levels, and this coupled with un-
sustainable practices has left us barely capable of producing enough, thus making us heavily dependent
on international aid. Achieving Food security has been one of the top agendas in the Millennium Develop-
ment Goals (MDG) of member states of the United Nations, but a plethora of constraints have kept Africa
from fully realizing these goals and they include; unfavorable climatic conditions, under funding of agricul-
tural research, insufficient labor, inability of local farmers to meet with preset standards which limits their
accessibility to the market needed for trade, inter-alia.
Standards could have varying meaning to different people, but within the context of sustainable develop-
ment, standards is a working guideline, a modus operandi or simply an established norm developed by in-
dustry experts to ensure safety, uniformity, high quality and reliability of products and services, and ulti-
mately the protection of consumers interest. Saddled with the responsibility of coordinating and harmoniz-
ing standards at international levels is the International Standard Organization (ISO) and its affiliates, at
continental levels is the African Organization for Standardization (ARSO) and its member national bodies
18
such as the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON). Coined from the Latin word “sustainere” which trans-
lates to maintaining a system over a long period of time, sustainability drive across the globe seeks to
achieve balance in the eco-system in the course of satisfying our human needs. The core values of sustain-
ability is in the meeting of our current needs, without jeopardizing the capacity of future generations to
meet their own needs [3], exploiting our natural resources while engineering mechanism to protect our
posterity. Sustainability cuts across all fields of endeavor but when used in Agriculture, it begets Sustainable
Agriculture which still shares the same values as sustainable development. Sustainable Agriculture is an in-
tegral system which seeks to profitably grow crops and raise livestock, while meeting the social needs of
the local farmers and important of all, conserve the environment. Organic farming is one of the building
blocks of sustainable Agriculture globally, as it promotes the use of manures, compost, mulch etc. for add-
ing nutrients to the soil.
Standards play vital role in global trade as it holds the key for stakeholders to access international markets.
The ability of smallholder agricultural producers to meet up with such preset standards, determines the ex-
tent to which they can penetrate international markets. Food spoilage especially during storage or transit
has lent weight to food insecurity in Africa due to poor storage systems. It therefore means that by stand-
ardizing our methods of food storage, the level of food losses would be greatly reduced. Many other ben-
efits stand to be accrued locally in conforming to these pre-set standards, and they include improvement
of soil fertility, which would bolster agricultural productivity then effectively putting a check to food insecu-
rity, increased access to international market, great improvement in food safety, an enhanced confi-
dence among African trading partners which would enhance trade. Furthermore, the implementation
and conformity with eco-system friendly standards will help minimize the use of petro-chemical fertilizers
which are not only expensive, but damages the soil as well.
Nations that have in the past put to use standards are already counting their gains. In my country Nigeria,
the implementation of organic agriculture about a decade ago have improved productivity, thereby
generating more jobs. At continental levels, the need for standards in promoting sustainable Agriculture is
seriously gaining grounds as relevant stakeholders are beginning see the benefits of standardization. In
Burkina Faso for instance, Shea nut has been a major Agricultural trade and source of income to most
homes, and in a bid to boost its level of productivity, Ecosystem based Approach was put to use in improv-
ing the quality of the Shea nuts, thereby boosting international trade.
Ghana has equally made great strides in improving the quality of its grain crops by ensuring laid out guide-
lines are followed in the storage of these grains.
The importance of standards in our everyday lives cannot be over-emphasized as without it, there would
be a serious compromise in the quality of living. Standards have come to stay and if we must harness its
potent for achieving sustainable development, then the barrier of ignorance must be broken through
proper sensitization of every African from the greatest to the least. Once this is done, I am confident that
Africa would be on the right track to achieving dominance at international trade.
REFERENCES
[1] Maurice Mubila, 7th March 2012, Africa’s Demographic Trends, African Development Bank.
[2] IFPRI (International Food Policy Research Institute). 2002. Reaching sustainable food security for all by
2020. Getting the priorities and responsibilities right. Washington, D.C: IFPRI
[3] Sustainable development 2014, Wikipedia, viewed 19th November 2014. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
Sustainable_development
19
ANNEX 6: JESSE KAMUNYU NGUGI
Course: Bachelor of Technology (Environment Resource Management)
Level: 3rd Year
University: Technical University of Kenya
Email: [email protected]
Title: Role of Standards in Agriculture
This essay aims at examining the role of standards in agriculture. The paper will leverage scholarly articles
and scientific literatures to offer a comprehensive coverage on the topic. From the findings, management
and standards are critical underpinning factors for sustainable agriculture. It is through well-governed
standards that Kenya’s farm output is able to gain global recognition. Indeed, assurance bureaus should
set stringent regulations and standards to ensure the highest quality of agricultural output is achieved. This
starts at the grass root level where there are myriad structural problems, not at the marketing stage. The
paper concludes by calling to action agricultural and government bodies to work collectively to achieve
agricultural sustainability in Kenya and Africa in entirety.
Most African countries remain food insecure despite massive economic and social developments. Achiev-
ing food security in Africa has been on and off the agenda of national governments. Indeed, it continues
to top international developmental budgets. In light with the Human Development Report published on
May 2012, sub-Saharan Africa is the worst hit with thirty percent of the population suffering from chronic
malnutrition and hunger (majtenyi, 2012). Unfortunately, in efforts to solve the food juggernaut that contin-
ues to rope most African countries, the quality of food has hazardously been compromised. But how can
the challenge be solved? This calls for high standards in agriculture among other farming practices. Let’s
take a closer look.
Standards in agriculture play a vital role in determining the quality of output by large-scale farmers. High-
ranking agricultural products like maize, wheat, vegetables and cereals are prone to food-poisoning if
stored under poor, unhygienic and generally unregulated conditions. The hazard that crops from poor pro-
cessing and storage of such foods can lead to loss of lives for Kenya’s populace painting a grim picture to
the rest of Africa and world in entirety. Therefore, agricultural levels and standards come into play to en-
sure that any foods that get assurance by national bureaus are at par with desired levels of quality. More
specifically, agricultural standards are advantageously poised in ensuring that only quality, safe foods ac-
cess the markets and trading centers.
The United States Department of Agriculture describes standards as basic underpinning factors towards
sustainable agriculture. In a publication: Is organic an option for me? The department argues that stand-
ardizing foods and agriculture prompts markets to become conscious about their approaches to farming
and generation of food crops (USDA, 2014). The source supports that standards awaken major agricultural
producers to realities surrounding food safety and security. This increases responsibility and prompts cultiva-
tion of foods that feature little synthetic materials like antibiotics and pesticides. More specifically, it height-
ens security in production and aggravates pragmatic environmental and agricultural practices.
It is encouraging to note that KEBS has enforced compliance of rice standards in Mwea and adjacent lo-
cations. The Ministry of Agriculture, in a publication; National Rice Developmental Strategy notes that quali-
ty rice is currently a priority for the decade, 2008-2018 (Ministry of Agriculture, 2008). Irrigation schemes are
increasingly advocating for organic practices and setting grounds for sustainable rice growing in central
and Eastern Kenya. This is due to rigorous principles set in rice growing. The ministry’s bid to come up with
20
quality rice that is competitive in global markets is courtesy of its strategy to raise agricultural standards to
an optimal level. This comes purely from the recognition that safeguarded production standards are im-
perative to ensuring that Kenya’s agriculture competes at a global scale. Once again, this is done at the
basic production stage, not marketing.
In recent years, horticultural safety has moved up the ladder of industrialized nations. A classic example is
the GLOBALGAP private standard set for growth and export of horticulture by Kenya to United Kingdom.
The GG is a pre-gate regulation that applies to the way horticultural products are grown, harvested and
transported to U.K markets (Humphrey, 2009). This agricultural standard operates under process-controlled
criterions and ensures that any horticulture that gains entry into Europe is of enviable standards. United
Kingdom’s move to impose this voluntary standard to Kenya’s horticulture was because of obvious rea-
sons. The country realized the implications of poor farming practices. It also wanted to awaken Kenya to
post-modern, standard-setting parameters in environment and agriculture. Thanks to GLOBALGAP, Ken-
ya’s horticulture is currently at its best and demand for horticultural products is on a steady growth in Asia,
Europe and America.
Agricultural standards and management should begin at the grass root levels where production is core,
not at the sales and marketing stages. Because of this realization, KEBS, a government-accredited bureau
is increasingly paying visits to manufacturing firms to ascertain production processes. What is more, every
farm product that seeks market domain might first pass a quality assurance paradigm. It is encouraging to
note Kenya’s determination to fight food insecurity alongside maintaining required standards. The investi-
gation standards adopted by the bureau leave no stone unturned. This has led to a controlled production
environment not to mention scarring away dubious producers who value money over the quality of farm
products. The move by KEBS shows the changing role of standards as moving towards sustainable produc-
tions by penalizing sub-standard practices.
Measurement Standards – The Dawning of Quality Assurance
The Division of Quality Assurance, Hawaii State, argues that agricultural standards extend to measurement.
In their observation, the accuracy of measurement, packaging, pricing and labelling goes a long way to-
wards minimizing unfair practices (QAD, 2013). Agricultural standards, therefore, are not limited to farming,
harvesting, production and transportation, they are gradually connecting to measurements. Therefore,
Kenya and Africa should emulate developed states like Hawaii who are willing to bank on measurement
standards as part of agricultural sustainability. This calls for accountability and transparency by concerned
assurance bodies. What is more, county and national governments should give technical assistance to
assurance bureaus for more comprehensive standards.
Recently, KEBS adopted a fortification logo to correct and minimize macronutrient deficiency. The Ministry
of Public Health backed the move by KEBS declaring it mandatory to impose fortification to a range of
products; vegetable oil, maize and wheat flour. The memorandum signed by the ministry and the bureau
was to examine and revisit production processes and ensure recommended levels of nutrients were met
(KEBS, 2012). It is encouraging to note that these foods are assessed at the production and processing
stages where most structural problems are common. Doing this at the marketing stage would raise eye-
brows and sub-standard products would still find way through Kenya’s unregulated food market.
Conclusion
As Kenya’s vision 2030 developmental blueprint takes shape with changing times, it is time to examine the
impact of standards to sustainable agriculture. Agriculture is the backbone of most Africa’s societies and
represents a set of environmental, social and economic retrofits. Therefore, setting high-ranking parame-
ters in production and packaging is the first step towards food security in Kenya and Africa in totality. This
21
means that standards in agriculture should be fostered to ensure we’re in the same lane with first-world na-
tionalities. It is through political support to accredited bureaus and stringent legislations on poor farming
practices that we can achieve this. Anything less losses the face of Kenya’s fight towards sustainable agri-
culture.
REFERENCES
Alivionote, Edwin (1st October, 2014). Role of Standards in Promoting Sustainable Agriculture and Food Se-
curity in Africa. Opinion Nigeria, Addressing today’s Topical Issues. Retrieved from http://
www.opinionnigeria.com/the-role-of-standards-in-promoting-sustainable-agriculture-and-food-security-in-
africa/
Humphrey, John (April, 2009). Private Standards in Kenya’s Horticulture. Institute of Developmental Studies,
U.K. Retrieved from https://www.ids.ac.uk/files/dmfile/humphreyAGRAMay09.pdf
KEBS. (June 2012). Fortified Fortification. About the Fortified Logo. Derived from http://www.kebs.org/
index.php?opt=qai&view=flogo
Majtenyi, Cathy (15th May, 2012). Food Insecurity: A Huge Problem in Africa. The Voice of America. Re-
trieved from http://www.voanews.com/content/
report_food_insecurity_a_huge_problem_in_africa/666533.html
State of Hawaii, Quality Assurance Division (2013). The Measurement Standards Branch. Retrieved from
http://hdoa.hawaii.gov/qad/measurement-standards-branch/
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA, 2014). Is Organic Agriculture and Option for Me? Retrieved
from http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentidonly=true&contentid=organic-
agriculture.html
22
23
3rd CONTINENTAL ESSAY COMPETITION
Theme: “How standards contributes to Women’s
Empowerment and Development”
3 EME CONCOURS CONTINENTAL DE
DISSERTATION
Thème: ‘’Comment les normes contribue à
l'autonomisation et le développement des
femmes’
Annex 7
Women and standards
In support of Pan- African ideas of our founding
fathers for the Africa, women and youth are the
greatest asset for Africa. This is in line with AU theme
of this year’s summit: “women empowerment and
development towards agenda 2063”.
As we all know, in most societies, women are at the
heart of the household’s nexus of water, food, and
energy – and thus often putting them on the table
during standards making and harmonisation in
various sectors including the above mentioned is of
major importance.
Women empowerment is the act of increasing the
economic, political, social, educational, gender, or
spiritual strength of women in the Society.
Empowering women trough standards is developing
the society and Africa as whole.
Les femmes et les normées
À l'appui des idées panafricaines de nos pères
fondateurs pour l’Afrique, les femmes et les jeunes
sont le plus grand atout pour l’Afrique. Ceci est en
ligne avec l'UA thème du sommet de cette année :
‘’l'autonomisation des femmes et le développement
vers agenda 2063 "
Comme nous le savons tous, dans la plupart des
sociétés, les femmes sont au cœur de la Nexus de la
maison de l’eau, de la nourriture et de l'énergie - et
donc les mettre souvent sur la table pendant
normes faisant et l'harmonisation dans divers
secteurs, y compris le mentionné ci-dessus est d'une
importance majeure.
L'autonomisation des femmes est l'acte de
l'augmentation de la politique sociale de
l’éducation, le sexe, ou la force spirituelle
économique des femmes dans la société.
L'autonomisation des femmes normes minimales est
le développement de la société et de l'Afrique dans
son ensemble.
24
ARSO is an intergovernmental body, established by
the African Union and UNECA in 1977 with the princi-
pal mandate to harmonize African Standards and
conformity assessment procedures in order to re-
duce Technical Barriers to Trade and therefore pro-
mote intra African and international Trade as well as
enhance the industrialization of Africa.
Part of ARSO mandate is to ensure the well-being
and safety of the African Community. Thus being an
African organization, all the efforts to eradicate pov-
erty and ensure the youth are enlightened and cre-
ate a culture of quality among the youth is in line
with its vision and mission.
ARSO Vision Statement
To be an excellent standardisation center that pro-
motes trade and industry.
ARSO Mission Statement
To facilitate intra-African and global trade through
providing harmonised standards and facilitating
their implementation.
L’ORAN est un organisme intergouvernemental,
établi par l'Union africaine et l’UNECA en 1977 avec
le mandat principal d'harmoniser les normes afri-
caines et les procédures d'évaluation de la con-
formité afin de réduire les obstacles techniques au
commerce et donc promouvoir le commerce intra
africain et international ainsi que renforcer l'industri-
alisation de l'Afrique.
Une partie du mandat de l'ORAN est d'assurer le
bien-être et la sécurité de la communauté Afri-
caine. Cependant étant une organisation africaine,
tous les efforts pour éradiquer la pauvreté et s'assur-
er que les jeunes sont éclairés et créer une culture
de qualité chez les jeunes est conforme à sa vision
et sa mission.
Énoncé du Vision de l’ORAN
Pour être un excellent centre de normalisation qui
favorise le commerce et l’industrie.
Énoncé du Mission de l’ORAN
Pour faciliter le commerce intra-africain et mondial
par l'octroi des normes harmonisées et faciliter leur
mise en œuvre.
Organisers
African Organization for Standardization Organisation Africaine de Normalisation
Apex (Apex Management system-consults Ltd) is a
leading Kenyan management training company
with experiences of delivering a broad range of ISO
based management training courses with clients
from government ministries, parastals, and institutions
of higher learning and private sector organizations.
In addition to this, Apex also runs the following:
The certified firms expo and plenary ses-
sions
Annual quality workshops
Directory of certified firms
Apex young professional
APEX (Apex Management system-consultas Ltd) est
une entreprise leader de la formation de gestion du
Kenya avec les expériences de fournir une large
gamme des cours de formation de gestion basé sur
ISO avec les clients des ministères du gouvernement,
organismes parapublics, institutions de l'ensei-
gnement supérieur et les organisations du secteur
privé. En en plus de cela, Apex gère également ce
qui suit:
L’Expo des entreprises certifiées et les séances
plénières
Ateliers annuels de qualité
Annuaire des entreprises certifiées
Jeunes professionnel apex
On left- APEX C.E.O- Madam Helen Bosibori and on the right
ARSO’s Secretary General- Hermogene Nsengimana, PhD
25
MESSAGE FROM THE ORGANIZERS MESSAGE DES ORGANISATEURS
In 2014, ARSO and APEX organized the 2nd
Continental Essay Competition which was a success.
Yesashimwe Nehemiah from Rwanda emerged the
continental winner and Organisers once more
congratulate him and all the other participants. It
was inspiring to see how youths in Africa want to be
involved in the world of standardisation in promoting
sustainable Agriculture and Food Security in Africa.
Some of the key issues addressed by participants in
the 2nd Continental Essay Competition were:
1. How standards promote sustainability in
Agriculture in Africa
2. Utilization of local resources to promote
Agriculture and Food Security in Africa
3. How standards improve Food security and
environmental protection in Africa
4. How standards address economic, social and
environmental issues in Africa
5. The role of standards in promoting food security
in Africa
This year we expect more youths to compete and
give in their voices and reality when it comes to
Standards and women in Africa.
This year the theme of the 3rd Continental Essay
Competition is “How standards contribute to
Women’s Empowerment and Development”. We
look forward to hearing from African youth on how
Africa can utilize standards to solve the problems of
poverty among Women and using the standards to
empower women economically and achieve
sustainable development in Africa.. We welcome all
who are eligible to participate and make their
voices heard.
En 2014, les organisateurs, ORAN et APEX ont
organisé le 2eme concours continental de
dissertation qui a été un succès.
Yesashimwe Néhémie de la ollège de l’agriculture,
des sciences animales et de médecine vétérinaire a
District de Musanze Rwanda émergé comme
vainqueur au niveau continental et une fois de plus
les organisateurs le félicitent et tous les autres partici-
pants. C’est inspirant de voir comment les jeunes en
Afrique veulent être impliques dans le monde de la
normalisation et leur compréhension a la façon dont
les normes peuvent conduire au development du-
rable.
Certaines des questions clés abordées par les participants
dans le 2 eme concours continental de rédaction
étaient :
1. Comment les normes peuvent promouvoir le
development durable dans l’agriculture en Afrique
2. L'utilisation des ressources locales pour promouvoir
l'agriculture et la sécurité alimentaire en Afrique
3. Comment les normes contribuent dans la promotion
de sécurité alimentaire et de protection de
l'environnement en Afrique
4. Comment les normes abordent sur des questions
économiques, sociales et environnementales en
Afrique.
5. Le rôle des normes dans la promotion de la sécurité
alimentaire en Afrique.
Cette année, nous prévoyons plus de jeune à participer
at donner leurs voix et la réalité quand il vient à des
normes et des femmes en Afrique.
Cette année, le thème de 3 eme concours continental de
dissertation est " Comment les normes contribuent à
l'autonomisation et le développement de la femme " Nous
avons hâté d’étendre de l'audition de la jeunesse afri-
caine sur comment l'Afrique sur peut utiliser les normes
pour résoudre les problèmes de la pauvreté chez les
femmes et en utilisant les normes de l'autonomisation des
femmes économiquement et parvenir à un développe-
ment durable en Afrique . Nous accueillons tous ceux qui
26
ABOUT THE COMPETITION
Theme: “How standards contributes to Women’s Empowerment and Development”
The organizers are inviting students in institutions of
higher learning in Africa (Colleges/ Universities ap-
proved by their local commission of higher educa-
tion) to submit their essays on the theme: “How
standards contributes to Women’s Empowerment
and Development” to [email protected] .
The last day for submitting essays will be 1st March
2016.
A PROPOS DU COMPETITION
Thème: " Comment les normes contribue à
l'autonomisation et le développement de la
femme "
Les organisateurs invitent les étudiants des établisse-
ments d'enseignement supérieur en Afrique
(écoles / Universités approuvés par leur commission
locale de l'enseignement supérieur) à soumettre
leurs essais sur le thème : " Comment les normes con-
tribue à l'autonomisation et le développement des
femmes " à l'essai @ arso - oran. org.
Le dernier jour de présenter des essais sera le 1er
Mars 2016.
ENTRY RULES AND CONDITIONS
1. This competition is open to Citizens of all African
Countries below the age of 35 years living in Afri-
ca and studying in a university/college recog-
nised by the local commission for university edu-
cation or equivalent body in their countries.
2. Length of essays : Essays should be between
1000 and 1200 words
3. Presentation: Essays should be double spaced
and presented in Century Gothic, size 12
4. Language of essays: Essays may be submitted in
English or French
5. Information on the author: Authors may use up
to 50 words to describe themselves. Information
should include their names, course and year of
study, name, town and country in which their
university is located. (N. B: this will not be part of
the 1000- 1200 words)
6. Contacts of authors: Authors should provide us
with their postal, physical, telephone and email
addresses on the first page of the essay together
with the title of the essay and information on the
author. Also kindly attach a copy of the Identity
Card or pass port and a completely filled regis-
tration form that can be obtained from
Apex (www.apextrainingafrica.org) and
ARSO (www.arso-oran.org) websites
CONDITIONS ET RÈGLES D'ENTRÉE
1. Ce concours est ouvert aux citoyens de tous les
pays africains âgé de moins de 35 ans vivant
en Afrique et étudiant dans une université/
collège reconnue par la commission locale pour
l’éducation universitaire ou institution équivalen-
te dans leur pays.
2. Longueur de la dissertation : les essais doivent
se situer entre 1000 et 1200 Mots
3. présentation : Les essais doivent être doubles
espacées et présentées dans Century Gothique,
taille 12
4. Langue d’essai : les essais peuvent être soumis
en langue anglaise ou Française
5. Informations sur l'auteur : les auteurs peuvent se
décrire jusqu'à 50 mots. les Informations doivent
inclure leurs noms, leurs cours et l'année d'étude,
nom, ville et pays où se trouve leur université.
(N.B: cela ne fera pas partie de 1000-1200 mots)
6. contacts des auteurs : les auteurs doivent nous
fournir leur adresse postale, physique, téléphone
et adresse email sur la première page de l'essai
ainsi que le titre de l'essai et les informations sur
l'auteur. Veuillez attachez également une copie
de la carte d'identité ou du passeport et un for-
mulaire d'inscription entièrement rempli qui peut
être obtenu sur les sites web suivants : Apex
(www.apextrainingafrica.org) et ARSO
(www.arso-oran.org)
27
ENTRY RULES AND CONDITIONS (Cont...)
7. Eligibility
The following essays are not eligible for this competi-
tion:
Essays that have been shown or accept-
ed for other competitions
Essays that have been published in any
form
Essays that focus on the work of a partic-
ular person, organization or brand name
8. Number of essays to submitted: Participants are
only allowed to submit one essay
Essay must be submitted to: [email protected] by
mid night on 1st March 2016
CONDITIONS ET RÈGLES D'ENTRÉE
7. Admissibilité
Les essais suivants ne sont pas admissibles à ce con-
cours :
Les essais qui ont été montrés ou acceptés pour
les autres concours
Les essais publiés dans n'importe quelle forme
Les essais qui mettent l'accent sur le travail d'une
personne en particulier, l'organisation ou la
marque déposée
8. Nombre des essais à soumettre : les Participants
sont autorisés à présenter un essai
Les essais doivent être envoyés à: essay@arso-
oran.org au plus tard le 1er Mars 2016.
WHAT THE ORGANISERS ARE LOOKING FOR-
NOT NECESSARILY IN THE ORDER BELOW
1. A precise introduction of the essay
2. Explanation of the problems being faced in Afri-
ca today in relation to agriculture, food security
and trade of agriculture products.
3. General understanding of standards
4. General knowledge of the situation in Africa re-
garding agriculture food security and trade of
agricultural products
5. How standards can be used to address the issue
of Agriculture and food security as well as in-
crease trade of agricultural products from Africa
6. A clear example on how standards have in the
past assisted in solving issues related to Agricul-
ture and food security in Africa
7. A clear example on how standards have assist-
ed or can assist in solving issues related to Agri-
culture and food security in your country
8. Conclusion
CE QUE LES CONVOITENT ORGANISATEURS -
PAS NÉCESSAIREMENT DANS L'ORDRE CI-
DESSOUS
1. une introduction précise de l'essai
2. Explication des problèmes qui se posent
aujourd'hui en Afrique en ce qui concerne l'agri-
culture, la sécurité alimentaire et le commerce
des produits agricoles.
3. Compéhension général des normes.
4. Connaissance général sur la situation Africaine
en ce qui concerne l'agriculture, la sécurité ali-
mentaire et le commerce des produits agricoles.
5. Comment les normes peuvent assister à aborder
la question de l'Agriculture et la sécurité alimen-
taire mais aussi à accroître le commerce des
produits agricoles de l'Afrique.
6. un exemple clair comment les normes ont aidé
à résoudre les problèmes liés à l'Agriculture et à
la sécurité alimentaire en Afrique dans le passé.
7. un exemple clair comment les normes ont aidé
ou peuvent aider à résoudre des problèmes liés
à l'Agriculture et la sécurité alimentaire dans vo-
tre pays.
8. Conclusion
28
PRIZES FOR WINNERS
There will be two levels of winners
At Regional Level
1st position – USD 500
2nd position –USD 300
3rd position – USD 200
At Continental Level
1st position – (male and female) each USD
1000
2nd position –USD 800
3rd position – USD 500
In addition the winners will be given a trip and ac-
commodation to the next ARSO G.A (ARSO General
Assembly) event that will take place in 2015 to be
honored.
PRIX POUR LES GAGNANTS
Il y aura deux niveaux des gagnants
Au niveau régional
1ère position – 500 USD
2ème position –300 USD
3ème position – 200 USD
Au niveau Continental
1ère position – (mâle et femelle) chacun
1000 USD
2ème position – 800 USD
3ème position – 500 USD
En outre les vainqueurs seront attribués d’un voyage
et hébergement pour le prochain événement de
l'Assemblée général de l’ORAN (ARSO General
Assembly) qui aura lieu en 2015 pour être honoré.
SELECTION OF WINNERS
The selection of winners at regional level will be
done according to the UNECA clustering of African
states as follows.
Central Africa:
Cameroon, Chad, Central African Republic, Congo,
Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and Sao Tome & Principe
Eastern Africa:
Burundi, Comoros, D.R Congo, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Eri-
trea, Kenya, Madagascar, Rwanda, Seychelles, So-
malia, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda
North Africa:
Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Sudan,
and Tunisia
Southern Africa:
Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius,
Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland,
Zambia and Zimbabwe
West Africa:
Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Côte d'Ivoire, the
Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia,
Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo
More information on this can be obtained by visiting
www.uneca.org.
SÉLECTION DES GAGNANTS
La sélection des gagnants au niveau régional sera
faite selon le regroupement de l'UNECA des États
africains comme suit :
Afrique centrale :
Cameroun, Tchad, République centrafricaine, Con-
go, Guinée équatoriale, Gabon et São Tomé et Prín-
cipe &
Afrique de l'Est :
Burundi, Comores, Dr Congo, Djibouti, Éthiopie,
Érythrée, Kenya, Madagascar, Rwanda, Seychelles,
Somalie, Soudan du Sud, Tanzanie et Ouganda
Afrique du Nord:
Algérie, Egypte, Libye, Mauritanie, Maroc, Soudan
et Tunisie
Afrique Australe :
Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Maurice,
Mozambique, Namibie, Afrique du Sud, Swaziland,
Zambie et Zimbabwe
Afrique de l'Ouest :
Bénin, Burkina Faso, Cap-Vert, Côte d'Ivoire, Gam-
bie, Ghana, Guinée, Guinée-Bissau, Libéria, Mali,
Niger, Nigeria, Sénégal, Sierra Leone et Togo
Plus d'informations peuvent être obtenus en visitant
le site web www.uneca.org.
29
COPYRIGHT
Please note that by entering the competition, you
have assigned copyright of your essay to the
organizers of this event who may publish it in whole
or in part on their respective websites, websites of
national standards bodies, a wide range of
publications for circulation both inside and outside
Africa.
DROIT D'AUTEUR
Veuillez noter qu'en s'inscrivant au concours, vous
avez attribué le droit d'auteur de votre essai aux
organisateurs de cet événement qui peuvent le
publier en entier ou en partie sur leur site Internet,
sites Web des organismes nationaux de normalisa-
tion, un large éventail de publication de circulation
à l'intérieur et à l'extérieur de l'Afrique.
SELECTION OF WINNERS
Winners will be selected through a fair and impartial
selection process by the organizers
The decision of the judges shall be final.
SÉLECTION DES GAGNANTS
Les gagnants seront sélectionnés par un processus
de sélection équitable et impartiale par les
organisateurs.
La décision des juges sera finale.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF WINNERS
Regional winners
Information on regional winners will be published on
the following websites:
1. The organizers
2. Their respective regional economic
communities
3. The website of their national standards
body
Regional winners will be announced during the
national standards day celebrations in their
countries immediately following the essay
competition and selection of winners
Continental winners
Information on Continental winners will be published
on the following websites:
1. The organizers
2. African Union Commission
3. Website of all national standards bodies
Continental winners will be announced during the
Africa standards day celebration held yearly
during the ARSO General Assembly
ANNONCE DES GAGNANTS
Les gagnants au niveau régional
Les Informations sur les gagnants régionales seront
publiées sur les sites Web suivants :
1. Des organisateurs
2. De leurs respect ives communautés
économiques régionales
3. le site Web de leur organisme national de
normalisation
Les prix des gagnants régionales seront annoncés
au cours des célébrations de la journée nationale
des normes dans leurs pays; immédiatement après
le concours de rédaction et la sélection des
gagnants.
Les gagnants au niveau continental
Les informations concernant les gagnants au niveau
continental seront publiées sur les sites Web
suivants :
1. Des organisateurs
2. Commission de l’Union Africaine
3. site Web de tous les organismes nationaux de
normalisation
Les gagnants au niveau continental seront
annoncés lors de la célébration de la journée
Africaine des normes qui se tienne annuellement au
cours de l'Assemblée générale de l'ORAN.
30
For more information visit the following
websites:
African Organization for Standardisation
www.arso-oran.org
Apex Management Systems – Consultants
www.apextrainingafrica.org
Websites of various National Standards Bod-
ies in Africa
Pour plus d’informations veuillez visiter les
sites web suivants :
Organisation Africaine de Normalisation
www.arso-oran.org
Apex systèmes de gestion – Consultants
www.apextrainingafrica.org
Sites web des divers organismes nationaux
de normalisation en Afrique.
African Organisation for Standardisation
2015
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