The potential of biotechnology in Ethiopia: Present situation and expected development

Conventional research approaches have tried to address the major research and development problems in Ethiopia. However, these approaches could not achieve the desired level of improvement unless they are supported by modern biotechnological tools. Biotechnological facilities exist scattered in different institutions in Ethiopia, a country with immense genetic biodiversity, but no precise information is available as to their capacities, capabilities and the associated technical and administrative gaps. A study based on structured questionnaires, interviews with key informants and reviewing secondary sources was initiated in 2006 by the Horn Biotechnology Forum to generate such information and design strategies for bridging the gaps. The study showed that seven institutions with a total of 24 branches are engaged in biotechnology research/teaching and development at different stages, mainly tissue culture, but including bio-fertilizers, molecular marker, embryo transfer, immunology, vaccine and diagnostic kit development and epidemiology. Ten centers have modest to well equipped laboratories and a few other laboratories are also under expansion. By and large, the future success of biotechnological research and development in Ethiopia depends on the level of attention to be given by the government on capacity building and on the level of collaboration among the institutions.