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Investigating the implementation process of open and distance learning for teachers'professional development at the learning centres
No full textGlobal Journal of Advanced Research Vol-11, Issue-3 PP. 28-41The effective implementation of open and distance learning (ODL) at the learning centres is vital for helping distance learners to
achieve their educational goals. This study examines the implementation process by focusing on the availability and distribution of
teaching and learning materials, the provision of face-to-face sessions, the effectiveness of learner support services, the relevance of
the ODL program, and the challenges faced by both learners and facilitators during the program's implementation. The research is
conducted across ten ODL centres under the Institute of Adult Education in Dar es Salaam, Mbeya, and Ruvuma. A mixed-methods
research design was used to provide a comprehensive understanding of the implementation processes of the ODL and its effectiveness
in enhancing educational experiences. The study included a total of 608 participants. Data collection methods included closed-ended
questionnaires, interviews, and observations. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively, while qualitative data were analysed
thematically. The findings reveal statistically significant differences across the regions in the implementation process of the ODL at
the learning centres, particularly regarding support services and the infrastructure. The study highlights the critical role of resource
availability in creating a conducive learning environment and its impact on learners' academic performance and satisfaction
Prevalence of parasites, species composition and abundance of rodents and shrews in Ilemela District, Mwanza Region, Tanzania
No full textMSc DissertationRodents and shrews are extremely diverse in their ecology and
lifestyles and can be found in almost every terrestrial habitat. The
diversity of rodents and shrews varies with vegetation type, habitat
and season. There are tremendous impacts attributed to rodents
and shrews which include but not limited to damaging field crops,
causing post-harvest losses, contaminating stored food and water
supplies. Nevertheless, they are reservoir of different parasites of
public health importance and play an important role in the
transmission and spreading of zoonotic diseases in Tanzania and
worldwide. Generally, this study aimed to determine rodents and
shrews species composition and prevalence of parasites, in Ilemela
District, Mwanza region, Tanzania.
Rodents and shrews were live-trapped using Sherman and modified
wire cages from Peridomestic, indoors and agricultural fields and
their morphological data were recorded for identification to the genus
and species level. Morphological data such as sex, weight, head-
body, tail, ear, and hind foot lengths were recorded. They were then
anaesthetized with diethyl ether, blood samples were collected
aseptically from heart, thin and thick smears were made for
haemoparasites identification and their ectoparasites were also
collected for identification purposes. The Gastro-Intestinal Tract
(GIT) was carefully removed and their contents were evaluated for
GIT parasites.
A total of 149 small mammals were captured and identified that
includes 144 rodents belonging to four species namely Mastomys
natalensis 66.4% (99/149), Mus .musculus 21.5% (32/149), Rattus
rattus 7.4% (11/149) and Aethomys spp 1.3% (2/149) and the rest
3.4% (4/149) were shrews belonging to Crocidura spp. The overall
prevalence of ectoparasites was 56.4% (84/149) and the following
ectoparasites were identified, Laelaps echininus 39.6% (59/149),
Polyplax spp. 4.0% (6/149), Xenopsylla cheopis 2.7% (4/149) and Heamaphysalis leachi 0.7% (1/149). The highest prevalence of
ectoparasites was recorded in M. natalensis at (67.7%). In context to
sex, males harbored more ectoparasites 59.0% than females.
Additionally, the study also found a prevalence of haemoparasite
was 35.5% (53/149) and the identified parasites namely, Anaplasma
spp 18.8% (28/149), Trypanosoma lewisi 0.7% (1/149), Plasmodium
spp. 1.3% (2/149). There were also two bacteria genus, bipolar
coccobacilli2.7% (4/149) and Bacillus spp 3.4% (5/149) identified.
Anaplasma spp was found in all of the infested rodent species and
its highest prevalence was recorded in M. musculus 34.4% (11/32)
followed by M. natalensis 27.3% (27/99). However, T. lewisi was
only found in Rattus rattus whereas none of the haemoparasite was
identified in Crocidura spp. The relative abundance of the captured
rodent’s species were Mastomys natalensis 99 (68.75%), Mus
musculus 32 (22.22%), Rattus rattus 11(7.63%) and Aethomys spp
2 (1.38%). Mastomys natalensis was widely distributed in all the
habitats and its highest abundance was recorded in agricultural
farms (83%, n=82/99). Mus.musculus (96.9%) and all R. rattus
(100%) exclusively captured from in-doors, while Aethomys spp 2
(1.3%) were only captured from the Peridomestic habitats. The study
found a significant association of the villages) with the captures (p <
0.01). In six of the villages selected for current study, M. natalensis
was the most prevalent and abundant species captured. The overall
prevalence of GIT parasites was 53.7% (80/149) and the following
parasites were recovered, (nematodes 80.5% (91/113), cestodes
14.2% (16/113), trematodes 0.9 (1/113) and protozoan oocysts 4.4%
(5/113). The recovered nematode parasites include; Trichuris spp
52.2% (59/113), Angiostrongylus spp 4.4% (5/113), Nippostrongylus
spp 6.2% (7/113), Strongyloides spp 13.3% (15/113), Capillaria spp
3.5% (4/113), Physaloptera spp 0.9% (1/113) and Syphacia obvelata
0.9% (1/113). The identified Cestode was Hymenolepis diminuta
14.2% (16/113) while in Trematode, only Echinostoma spp 0.9%
(1/113) was identified. Apart from worms also protozoan Oocyst
4.4% (5/113) were identified. Majority of the captured rodents were
infected with nematodes 65% (91/113) and the highest prevalence of GIT parasites was recorded in M. natalensis 64.6% (64/99). Trichuris
spp was found to be the most prevalent parasite in rodents. Among
the identified parasites, Hymenolepis diminuta, Angiostrongylus spp,
Capillaria spp and Syphacia obvelata are of public health
importance.
This study has revealed the presence of parasites of public health
and livestock importance in rodents and shrews and we recommend
for the control of rodents and shrews as well as screening of
human’s population to check for presence of the identified zoonotic
parasites reported in rodents and shrews.The Africa Center of Excellence for Innovative Rodent Pest Management and
Biosensor Technology Development, Sokoine University of Agriculture-Tanzania ACE II
Smallholder rice farmers' competitiveness within agricultural marketing co- operative societies in selected districts, Tanzania.
No full textPhD ThesisRice is the most important staple crop for most of the world's
population, particularly in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Smallholder
rice farmers account for a significant proportion of rice production
worldwide. Yet, they face numerous challenges that limit their
competitiveness in terms of Technical Efficiency (TE), profitability
and access to agricultural information and market outlets in farming
activities. Agricultural Marketing Co-operative Societies (AMCOS)
have the potential to enhance smallholder farmers‟ competitiveness
by sharing resources and knowledge. Yet, smallholder farmers‟
competitiveness in AMCOS has not sufficiently been explored in
Tanzania. The overall objective of the study was to assess
smallholder rice farmers‟ competitiveness in rice farming among
smallholder farmers in Mbarali and Mvomero Districts of Tanzania.
Specifically, the study sought to (i) Determine smallholder rice
farmers‟ productivity and TE in rice farming, (ii) Estimate the
profitability of smallholder rice farmers, (iii) Evaluate the contribution
of AMCOS to agricultural information access by smallholder rice
farmers in rice farming, and (iv) Assess the drivers of market outlet
selection among smallholder rice farmers in the study area. A cross-
sectional research design was employed whereby 382 respondents
were randomly selected from three AMCOS during the 2021/22
cropping season. Data were collected through interviews and Focus
Group Discussions (FGDs). Quantitative data analysis employed the
Cobb-Douglas stochastic frontier model, Enterprise Budgetary
Technique, Sensitivity Analysis, Ordinal Logistic Regression and
Multivariate Probit Regression. IBM SPSS Statistics, Stata and
Excel software were used for descriptive and inferential statistical
analysis while content analysis was used to analyse qualitative data.
The findings on TE showed that the mean TE indices for Kapunga,
Madibira and „„Umoja wa Wakulima Dakawa’‟ (UWAWAKUDA)
AMCOS were 84.9%, 87.6% and 79.1% respectively with a mean
TE of 83.8% for the whole sample. Across AMCOS, it was found that
intermediate costs, labour costs, fixed costs and quantity of fertilizer
influenced productivity (p < 0.05) while access to training, water
distribution, ploughing time, planting systems, and access to credit
influenced TE (p < 0.05). The study found an average Return on
Investment of 0.42, a Benefit Cost Ratio of 1.42 and a Profit Margin
of 24%. The level of profitability differed among co-operatives
whereby UWAWAKUDA had the highest return per acre (TZS
524 417), followed by Kapunga (TZS 414 111) and Madibira (TZS
316 638). Smallholder rice farmers' Gross Margins were significantly
affected by changes in Total Variable Costs, output price and yield
per acre. Although smallholder farmers had access to adequate
(52.6%), relevant (35.6%) and reliable (37.7%) agricultural
information from the AMCOS, information on rice agronomy was the
most important information accessed by the majority of farmers
(77.2%). The adequacy of information was influenced by
membership in social groups, access to rice agronomy information,
financial information and information on value addition at p < 0.05.
Wholesale, retail, millers, middlemen and private buyers were the
existing market outlets among smallholder rice farmers with the
majority (65.71%) of farmers selling to more than one outlet. The
quantity of paddy sold, access to market information, smartphone
ownership, access to credit, the quantity of rice sold and frequency
of extension services were the important determinants of selection of
market outlets of rice producers (p < 0.05). The study concludes that
rice farming in terms of TE has not reached a plateau and rice farms
have been operating below the maximum level of production frontier;
hence there is a potential for improvement to increase rice
production by 16.2%, given the available technology. The
smallholder rice production is profitable in the study area. AMCOS
are potential platforms for providing good quality information in rice
farming, and the majority of farmers access multiple market outlets,
contributing to livelihood improvement. To enhance smallholder rice
farmers‟ competitiveness, the Local Government Authorities,
AMCOS and other stakeholders should improve drivers that lead to
increased TE and profitability such as the water infrastructures,
organizing markets and training programmes for farmers.
Stakeholders responsible for improving smallholder farmers‟
livelihoods should ensure farmers‟ access credits and such credits
are channelled to rice farming. Local Government Authorities should
put efforts to strengthen AMCOS by providing them with resources,
training, and support to enhance their capacity to deliver accurate
and timely information to farmers. This includes collaboration with
agricultural extension service providers and leveraging their
networks to access up-to-date information on agronomic practices,
weather forecasting, and market trends to enhance farmers‟
competitiveness in rice farming. Policymakers should prioritize
increasing smallholder rice farmers' access to market outlets by
building rural infrastructures, improving market information systems,
and promoting public-private partnerships.College of Social Sciences and Humanities (CSSH
Implication of institutional frameworks governing land tenure security in social-economic dynamics: experience from Iringa District in Tanzania
No full textResearch articlePurpose: The study aimed to examine the implication of institutional frameworks governing land tenure security in
socioeconomic dynamics in the Iringa district. The study used the case of the Iringa district to investigate the
institutional framework that provides implications for the governance of land tenure security in Tanzania.
Methodology: The study employed phenomenography by collecting primary data from 16 key informants selected
from village and district levels. Data from key informants were complemented by documentary review with
perception considered deductively. Findings: Findings confirmed the existence of two
principal institutional frameworks; the Land Act No. 5 of
1999 and the Village Land Act No. 4 of 1999.
Nonetheless,
bureaucracy,
inadequate
policy
dissemination, and poverty emerged as primary causes of
deviations in land policy implementation in the study area.
This study concludes that the successful implementation
of Tanzania's land policy in the Iringa District Council has
significantly facilitated land tenure security through the
issuance of a Certificate of Customary Right of
Occupancy. Establishing a robust institutional framework
and clear land use rules has been central to this success.
However, challenges such as complex Certificate of
Customary Right of Occupancy acquisition procedures,
bureaucracy, inadequate policy dissemination, and
prevalent poverty in rural areas have been identified as
impediments. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy:
The study was guided by Institutional Theory which
describes the interaction of human beings with existing
natural resources, the institution involves the regulation of
formal rules from constitutions, status laws, and other
legal frameworks controlling the interaction and
relationship of human behavior. The study contributed to
the theory by establishing the relationship between the
organization and enforcement of policy and regulatory
framework that governs land tenure. Also, the study
recommends expanding the Certificate of Customary
Right of Occupancy issuance, strengthening local land
administration, simplifying land use regulations,
facilitating easier access to Certificate of Customary Right
of Occupancy especially for impoverished households,
and implementing strategies to reduce bureaucracy and
enhancing policy understanding at the grassroots level.
These measures aim to enhance land tenure security and
support sustainable development in rural communities
Interactive radio programming and gender perspectives in agricultural knowledge sharing: a study of women crop farmers in Dodoma city, Tanzania
No full textThis study examines the accessibility of interactive radio-based agricultural information for women crop farmers in Dodoma City, Tanzania. With a focus on face-to-face interviews, supplemented by Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and key informant interviews, the research involved 32 purposively selected individual participants. The study uses content analysis to unveil a limited interaction between radio programmers and women crop farmers in Dodoma City. Identified barriers include a scarcity of radios and mobile phones, absence of electricity for device charging, domestic responsibilities, fear of spousal disapproval, non-contact by programmers, voucher purchase costs, and language obstacles. The findings underscore the need for intervention to enhance women's engagement with radio programs. The study recommends that the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) addresses financial constraints hindering women's interaction. This aligns with the TCRA's commitment to prioritizing information consumer interests. Additionally, the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology is urged to empower schoolgirls by providing agricultural education through secondary levels. Such initiatives can foster improved access to vital agricultural information for women crop farmers in Dodoma City, contributing to their socio-economic development
Impact of off-farm employment on rural household food and nutrition security: evidence from the southern highland regions of Tanzania
No full textJournal articleDespite the rural off-farm economy becoming increasingly important, the question whether off-
farm income-generating activities increase household food and nutritional security in Tanzania
remains unanswered. The current study explores the issue of off-farm employment by addressing
two objectives: (i) to examine the drivers of households’ decision to participate in off-farm
employment in a high-potential agricultural zone in Tanzania and (ii) to evaluate the impact of off-
farm activities on rural households’ food security and nutritional security. We use household survey
data from the southern highland districts of Mbeya and Songwe regions collected in 2014 and 2016.
We employ difference-in-difference and propensity score matching techniques to evaluate the
impact of participation in off-farm employment on household food security using three indicators
with different recall periods. Results show that more adults per household and a larger farm size
stimulated involvement in off-farm activities, while farming experience and livestock ownership
had a limiting effect. Participation has a significant impact on food security, but the strength of the
effect depends on the specific indicator selected. We recommend that the development of policies
and programs that pay more attention to off-farm work can boost rural household income and thus
promote food security and nutritional security
Wood volume and profitability analysis of small-scale tree growers’ woodlots with a gender perspective in Mufindi District, Iringa Region, Tanzania
No full textMSc DissertationThe majority of tree plantations in Tanzania consist of softwood
species, primarily pines, and cypress, along with preferred hardwood
species such as teak and eucalyptus. Small-scale forestry has
emerged as a significant and potentially productive segment.
Empirical evidence suggests that small-scale forestry constitutes the
majority of the total plantation area in the country. While government
forests employ a standard practice of selling trees by volume, small-
scale growers often opt to sell standing trees without prior
measurement. Therefore, it is important to assess this selling
practices in order to determine if investments made by small-scale
tree growers are profitable. The study aimed to assess the
profitability of small-scale tree growers' woodlots, considering
gender disparities in the sector, and exploring the economic
implications of different selling methods and challenges facing small-
scale tree growers. Cross-sectional data were collected through
semi-structured interviews. Random sampling was used to select
small-scale tree growers’ households for data collection. Data
analysis involved descriptive statistics and cost-benefit analysis by
using Stata software. The woodlot assessment included inventory
work of measuring tree parameters of diameters (Dbh) and heights.
Forest inventory data was analyzed by using yield table models in
Microsoft Excel. The results of the household survey revealed that
investments by small-scale tree growers are profitable. Profitability
indicators for those selling standing trees and processing trees for
lumber are presented, showing higher values for the later. Gender
differences in revenue and profitability indices are observed, with
males earning more than females. Moreover, results indicated that
small-scale tree growers are potentially experiencing a substantial
loss in revenue, profit, and gross profit margin due to the selling
method used. When small-scale tree growers sell by observational
estimation, they can generate TZS 1.9 million per acre at the age of
11 years. In contrast, selling by volume yields an average of TZS
2.7 million per acre at the age of 11 years. Likewise on the Profit, through selling by volume there is a mean increase in profit of TZS
61155 per acre, and by observational estimation, there is a mean
decrease of TZS 42063 per acre. Results also revealed that the key
challenges facing small-scale tree growers include fire occurrences
and low market prices of trees. About 73% of the respondents
reported that fire occurrence is the main challenge in the
management of woodlots while 34% reported low prices as a main
challenge, followed by 26.30% on marketing. Therefore, processing
and adding value to the produced woods tend to significantly
increase revenue and profitability. This implies that, small-scale tree
growers should prioritize in value addition through processing for
increased profitability. In addition, mechanisms for a market shift
towards valuing good quality products and promoting sales at longer
rotation age should be developed. Small-scale tree growers, with the
assistance of the government, should be advised to adopt a
standardized method of selling trees based on volume which will
allow them to maximize their profit. Further, waiting for the
recommended rotation age will ensure a good price and
diversification of income sources for small-scale tree growers in
Mufindi District. This is crucial because it will reduce the pressure of
selling immature stands and accepting low prices. Furthermore,
providing continuous education on best management practices,
particularly regarding fire safety, is essential
Community perception and participation in agricultural projects in Kishapu district, Tanzania
No full textMA. Dissertation in Project Management and EvaluationThis study focuses on community perceptions and participation in
agricultural projects in Kishapu District, emphasizing the need for
understanding both positive and negative perceptions. The motivation
behind the need of such understanding is that perception towards
development projects being introduced or implemented in an area tends
to differ among community members, with some projects being
perceived negatively and others positively. Community members are
more likely to participate if they have a positive perception about the
project in question. Therefore, there is a need of understanding the
drivers for community perception and drivers for community
participation in development projects. Specifically, the study aimed at
understanding the community perceptions towards agricultural projects
(1st part of the study) and the influence of other socio-economics of the
community on participation in agricultural projects (2nd part of the study),
using Kishapu District as a case. Data were collected from 100
respondents through questionnaire survey, and from 6 participants
through key informant interview and focus group discussion. Descriptive
statistics, binary logistic regression model, multiple linear regression
model and content analysis were employed for data analysis. Results
show that, most of the respondents had a positive perception toward
agricultural projects because the projects contribute to community
development. Drivers of positive community perception are involvement
in previous agricultural projects, education, access to information and
farm size. Therefore, community perception toward agricultural projects
hinges on the extent to which similar projects have benefited the
community in the past. For levels of community participation in
agricultural projects the findings revealed that most of the respondents
(92%) fall under the category of low level of participation, 6% of medium
level and only 2% for high level of participation. Regarding the factors
influencing community participation, findings show that variables such
as household member information, farm size and involvement in
previous projects has a significant influence (p>0.05) on community participation. This study
thus recommends that principal investigators of agriculture based
development projects must ensure that targeted beneficiaries really
benefit in the entire course of their project implementation since
community perception toward agricultural projects depends on the past
experience from the previous projects’ performance. Social and
institutional benefits accruing from participation in agricultural projects
include; agricultural knowledge and skills, farmer cooperatives formation
or strengthening, participation in decision making, contributing ideas in
farmers groups' meetings and economic gains. Thus, to achieve
positive community perceptions towards agricultural projects there is a
need for project implementers to ensure that projects improve people’s
living standards. Moreover, there is a need to ensure community
members are well informed of the projects regardless of their literacy
level and that innovative practices to benefit farmers regardless of their
farm sizes are promoted
Butterfly species diversity across ecological gradients in mpanga kipengere game reserve and surrounding farmlands, Tanzania
No full textMSc. DissertationButterflies are a species that are particularly sensitive to environmental
changes. Identifying indicator species is crucial for assessing
ecosystem health and ecological monitoring. Maintaining natural
habitats is crucial for preserving insects and other species that indicate
environmental changes. However, the Mpanga/Kipengere Game
Reserve and its surrounding farmlands are facing disturbance due to
human activities, putting many wildlife species, particularly larger
mammals, at risk. To determine the impact of human activities on
butterfly species diversity and abundance in the reserve and its
surrounding areas, we conducted a study from November 2021 to
October 2023.
The study had three main goals. Firstly, to determine how altitude
affects the composition and diversity of butterfly species in the
Mpanga/Kipengere Game Reserve. Secondly, to assess how habitat
impacts the composition and diversity of butterfly species in the same
reserve. Lastly, to evaluate the effect of human activities on butterfly
species composition and diversity in both the Mpanga/Kipengere
Game Reserve and the adjacent Farmlands. The study was conducted
between July 2021 and June 2022 at three different altitudinal levels
low altitude, mid-altitude, and higher altitude ranging from 1000m to
>2000 above sea level. To study the diversity and similarities in species
composition between habitats, butterflies were collected using baited
traps and sweep nets. A 1000m long line transect was used in each
site for sampling. Shannon Index was employed to calculate diversity,
while variations were tested using ANOVA and TUKEY-HSD. Bray-
Curti's dissimilarities were used to identify similarities in species
composition.
The results observed during the study are as follows: A total of 2091
butterfly specimens from 5 different families, which included 124
species were observed. Among these species, there were 2 endemic
ones, namely Charaxes Congdon and Harpendyreus Juno.
The research showed a significant difference in butterfly species
diversity based on altitude, with the Mid-Altitude having higher diversity
(P < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference in butterfly species diversity between different habitats (Bray-Curtis’s value
< 0.23). Furthermore, the study reveals that Mpanga Kipengere Game
Reserve has higher butterflies’ diversity compared to surrounding
Farmlands. It is also observed that 77% of the species were recorded
in April when there was high temperature and rainfall. These findings
are crucial for ecological monitoring and the evaluation of the MPKGR
ecosystem.
The study concluded that: There is a significance difference in butterfly
species composition and diversity between altitudes. There is no
significance difference in species composition and diversity between
vegetation types. Therefore, the variation is influenced by altitudes
rather than habitat types. Butterfly species composition and diversity is
higher in MPKGR compared to surrounding farmlands. Therefore, the
study find that human activities have direct impact on butterfly species
composition and diversity. Most of butterfly species recorded
immediately after intensive rain season compared to dry season
Antimicrobial resistance pattern of escherichia coli and salmonella species, isolated from domestic and peridomestic rodents in Iringa municipality, Tanzania
No full textMaster of Science in Public Health and Pest ManagementEscherichia coli (E. coli) and Salmonella species are two of the most
common causes of foodborne illness worldwide. E. coli is a Gram-
negative bacterium that is found in the intestines of humans and
animals. Most strains of E. coli are harmless, but some strains can
cause serious infections, such as food poisoning and urinary tract
infections. Salmonella species is a gram-negative bacterium that is
found in the environment and in the intestines of animals.
Salmonella species can cause a variety of infections, including
gastroenteritis, typhoid fever, and paratyphoid fever. Antimicrobial
resistance is a major concern in the treatment of E. coli and
Salmonella infections. When E. coli and Salmonella species become
resistant to antimicrobials, they are more difficult to treat, which can
lead to more severe infections and even death.
Rodents are known to be reservoirs of E. coli and Salmonella spp.
bacteria. Rodents can transmit E. coli and Salmonella spp. to
humans and other animals through their faeces, urine, and saliva.
The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and
antimicrobial resistance pattern of E. coli and Salmonella spp.
isolated from domestic and peridomestic rodents in Iringa, Tanzania.
A cross-sectional study design was used in this study. The study
sites possessing favourable rodents habitats were purposively
selected. A total of eight wards (sampling sites) were selected. The
target study population was rodents, a total of 153 rodents were
trapped in Iringa municipality, Tanzania. The rodents were trapped
in both domestic and peridomestic settings. Following euthanization,
rats were identified to genus/species level using morphological and
morphometric features. Faecal swab samples were collected from
the rodents and pre-enriched in buffered peptone water, followed by
culture and biochemical tests for identification of E. coli and
Salmonella spp. Molecular confirmation tests were done using
16RrRNA PCR identification methods. The antimicrobial
susceptibility test was performed by disk diffusion method comprising five antimicrobials, including tetracycline (30μg),
ciprofloxacin (5μg), gentamicin (10μg), ceftriaxone (30μg), and
trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (25μg). Seven resistant genes were
analyzed by PCR, which were blaCTX-M, blaSHV, sul1, sul2, tetA,
acr(A), and aac(3)-1 in each isolate. Three rodent species, Rattus
rattus (75.2%), Mastomys natalensis (23.5%), and Mus musculus
(1.3%), were captured. 17 (11.1%) E. coli were detected, and no
Salmonella species were isolated. All 17 isolates were susceptible to
Gentamycin, while Sulphamethaxazole/Trimethoprim was highly
resistant (52.9%). Four E. coli isolates exhibited multidrug resistance
(MDR), whereby 75% of these MDR isolates originated from the
same area. Six resistant genes were detected: blaCTX-M, sul1, sul2,
tetA, acr(A), and aac (3)-1, where the acr(A) resistant gene was the
most abundant. There were co-occurrences of the resistant genes
per isolate such as sul2, acr(A), and aac(3)-1. This study reveals the
antimicrobial resistance of E. coli isolated from rodents, providing
preliminary data on the prevalence and antimicrobial resistant
features of these pathogens in their respective reservoirs in Iringa
municipality. The study recommends observation of regular
antimicrobial resistance screening and improvement in rodent
management and control programs in the studied area.The African Centre of Excellence for Innovative Rodent Pest Management and Biosensor Technology Development (ACE IRPM and BTD