A quantitative study was conducted in the Eastern zone of Tanzania,from May to September 2012 to assess farmers knowledge,attitude and practice on the use of locally available plant materials for controlling rodent damage in maize fields and stores.Three districts were purposely selected and three villages were randomly selected within each district.In both districts a total of 270 farmers were randomly selected for interview.A semi-structured questionnaire was used to assess maize production constraints,rodent problems and their control measures.Rodent pests were ranked higher (56%) than other pests.Crop losses due to rodents were estimated by farmers to be 64%and 36%in fields and stores,respectively.Use of rodenticides was reported as the most common single method for rodent control.However,85%of farmers use rodenticides with inadequate knowledge on their application and their effects on the environment and health.It was further revealed that only 15%of the respondents reported to have had training on how to apply rodenticides.With regard to the use of locally available plants,4%of respondents reported their use for rodent control,while 96%were not aware of any plant that was effective against rodents.However,most respondents expressed their willingness to use plant materials if evidence proved they are effective.Evaluation of plant materials and consequent development of plant products which can be safely used by poor farmers and which subsequently reduce health and environmental risks associated with chemical rodenticides was recommended.