Rwanda Forestry Authority (RFA) is advocating for the adoption of advanced wood processing technology to reduce a 30 percent production loss observed in the timber industry. This was noted during the launch of MT Wood Tech Solutions, a Rwf1.4 billion wood processing plant in Rubengera Sector, Karongi District, on July 15. The factory specializes in manufacturing high-quality wood products such as beds, living room furniture, and doors, using pinewood. According to Festus Maniriho, the manager of the Development of Agroforestry for Sustainable Agriculture (FIP-PRODAR) project at RFA, adopting modern technology is crucial to curb the losses. He likened the situation to post-harvest losses in agriculture. ALSO READ: Rwanda looks to boost wood industry with new tree species This substantial wastage of valuable material could otherwise be transformed into high-quality furniture and other products, he said, stressing that embracing new tech can revolutionize Rwanda's timber industry. ALSO READ: Over 850 hectares of old forests restored Maniriho said: When it comes to the wood industry, there is also production wastage commonly known as actual post-harvest processing loss resulting from manufacturing various products, and this becomes a problem rather than a solution. “Approximately 30 percent of the forestry resources currently deemed unvalued could, with the right technology, be transformed into high-quality materials with high quality that people should consider. Wood tech could contribute significant additional value within the value chain to avoid or curb such wastage. To cut these losses, RFA is collaborating with Germany which is renowned for its advanced industrial wood technology for modern machinery to develop a skilled workforce – a challenge that persists within the sector. With the government also wooing foreign investors notably from Germany, a high-tech wood factory now operational in Karongi District converts timber offcuts and waste into new logs and other high-quality products that can be sold on the international market. “The high-tech factory has modern machines that deal with droppings from timber during the production process,” he added, underscoring the need for close collaboration among all stakeholders and development partners to build a robust wood technology sector. Theophile Ndoreyaho, a carpentry and wood technology expert, emphasised the importance of using machines within the local wood industry. Ndoreyabo pointed to a pressing challenge: the scarcity of highly skilled labour. “Finding someone who is able to use a high-tech machine remains one of key challenges”. Despite the issue, he remains optimistic about the local wood industry's growth, considering that there is significant progress with good products now available on the market. ALSO READ: Project in pipeline to restore Congo-Nile Divide The Mayor of Karongi District, Gerald Muzungu, lauded the new facility and said such high technology infrastructure is very important as it also offers good training and internships opportunities for technical schools. We know that quality training is a powerful equalizer. It prepares young people not only for jobs but also in their careers, Christine Nkulikiyinka, the Minister of Public Service and Labor, said after launching the factory.
