The environmental risks of using human waste as fertilizer: A call for responsible practices
The Rwanda Standards Board (RSB) has raised alarms over the use of untreated human waste as fertilizer, highlighting its environmental and health hazards.
Farmers turning to this method amid rising food prices have been urged to prioritize sustainability and safety in agricultural practices.
As part of a campaign led by the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MINICOM) through RSB, aimed at improving food quality for schoolchildren, the organization emphasized the potential ecological and biological threats posed by this practice.
Jerome Ndahimana, a quality standards specialist, warned of its environmental repercussions.
“Human waste, when not properly treated, poses serious risks. It must be safely disposed of, as it harbors harmful microorganisms that can endanger both ecosystems and public health,” he stated.
He elaborated on the risks to food systems: “Scattering untreated waste in fields particularly on crops like vegetables that grow near the ground can transfer pathogens directly to the food supply.
This contamination not only threatens biodiversity but can also lead to life threatening illnesses in humans.
Farmers must await clear guidelines from the Ministry of Agriculture (MINAGRI) regarding the safe and sustainable use of waste as fertilizer.”
Health experts reinforced these warnings, explaining that untreated waste contains parasite eggs capable of surviving for years in the environment.
When applied recklessly, it disrupts ecosystems and reintroduces harmful pathogens into the food chain.
RSB’s efforts coincide with the International Day of Standards, celebrated under the theme “Enhancing Food Quality for Better Health and Education for All.”
The board has committed to deploying environmental and quality assurance experts to train key stakeholders, including local officials, schools, manufacturers, and farmers, on sustainable food production and safety practices.
This initiative seeks to balance agricultural innovation with ecological preservation, ensuring that efforts to increase productivity do not come at the expense of public health or the environment.