Correspondence: Desta Berhe Sbhatu, Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Mekelle Institute of Technology, PO Box 1632, Mekelle, Ethiopia

¹has worked as a secondary school teacher for 5 years (teaching biology and physical and earth sciences) and a college lecturer (of biology and science education) for another 5 years. Moreover, he has served as Department Head and Academic Vice Dean. He earned his Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Biology and a PhD in Science Education. Currently, he is the department head of Biological and Chemical Engineering at Mekelle Institute of Technology, developing undergraduate biological and chemical engineering and graduate biotechnology education and R&D programmes, to be launched starting mid-2009.

Received 23 June 2009; Revised 23 June 2009; Published online 11 August 2009.

Abstract

This article was written to provide compelling rationales for initiating biotechnology education, and a research and development programme in one technology institute in Ethiopia. As the author wishes to share these with a wider audience, the article is presented in the following way: it begins with a brief history of the traditional and conventional biotechnologies in Ethiopia; and reviews the national status of modern biotechnology. The potential of modern biotechnology to promote national development through its support of endeavours in agriculture, environmental management and rehabilitation, health care and industry/manufacturing is then discussed. Finally, the article lists and discusses the key topics that have to be taken into account while introducing and developing modern biotechnology in Ethiopia. Until a good national policy is produced, the topics could serve as guidelines for institutions engaged in biotechnology and life science research.