Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) continues to demonstrate its global impact through life-saving innovation, following the unveiling of a statue honoring Magawa, a heroic rat trained to detect landmines. Trained at SUA through APOPO’s facility, Magawa detected over 100 landmines and helped clear more than 141,000 square meters of land in Cambodia.
The 2.2 meter statue was unveiled on April 3 in Siem Reap near Angkor Wat, a location visited by millions of tourists each year. Its presence offers the world an opportunity to recognize the contribution of research and training provided by SUA in addressing real-world challenges.
Crafted by skilled Cambodian artisans, the statue depicts Magawa wearing his medal and working harness. Its landmine shaped base, embedded with fragments of decommissioned explosives, symbolizes victory over danger and reflects the value of scientific innovation advanced at SUA.
Through the training he received at SUA, Magawa made history as the first rat to receive the PDSA Gold Medal for animal bravery and to hold a Guinness World Record for detecting the most landmines.
These achievements reflect the excellence in research, practical training and innovation fostered by the University. Despite these successes, the challenge of landmines remains significant, particularly in Cambodia where millions are still believed to be buried underground. This underscores the need for continued investment in research and innovative technologies an area where SUA remains a key player through partnerships with international organizations such as APOPO.
Magawa’s legacy lives on through other rats trained to the same high standards, continuing SUA’s contribution to saving lives around the world. These achievements position SUA as a hub of innovation, research and sustainable solutions for global development.
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