SUA INTRODUCES “PENSION” SYSTEM FOR RETIRED RATS AS MAGAWA MAKES HISTORY IN CAMBODIA

By Carlos Claudio, Dodoma.

The Vice Chancellor of Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), Professor Raphael Chibunda, has revealed that the university has established a special system to care for rats used in scientific research and training, including providing care for those that have retired from service.

Professor Chibunda made the remarks in Dodoma during a press conference on the implementation of SUA’s activities for the 2025/26 financial year and its outlook for the following year. The meeting was held at the Information Services Department hall under the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports in Mtumba, Dodoma.

He said SUA’s rat breeding, training and research project has been in operation for more than 25 years. The rats used in the programme are of Tanzanian origin, particularly from the Uluguru Mountains in Morogoro Region.

According to Professor Chibunda, SUA now has a special facility responsible for breeding, raising and training the rats for various scientific research and training activities.

He explained that the university has established facilities that cater to the rats at different stages of their lives—from birth and training to graduation and retirement.

“When you come to our university, you will find a maternity ward, rats that are beginning their training, those that have completed their training, and even a special facility for retired rats… they are there receiving their pension,” Professor Chibunda said.

Speaking about the world-famous rat Magawa, Professor Chibunda said he was among the rats trained in Tanzania before being sent to Cambodia to assist in detecting landmines.

Magawa made international history by detecting a record number of landmines, earning global recognition and a prestigious medal for his contribution.

Professor Chibunda explained that the rats were sent to Cambodia because Tanzania does not face the same landmine challenge experienced in that country.

He said the rats have an average lifespan of about eight years, while those reaching nine years are considered very old and may begin losing their teeth and ability to work.

Magawa reached old age while in Cambodia, where he eventually died.

Professor Chibunda said there had been plans to bring Magawa’s remains back to Tanzania after his death, but the plan could not be implemented because of logistical procedures and required permits.

“We said it was possible, but at that time the logistical procedures and permits became a challenge. Our colleagues in Cambodia could not wait any longer, so they built a large monument for him there,” Professor Chibunda said.

He added that SUA continues to use rats in scientific research and training while ensuring their welfare throughout their lives, including after they retire from active service.