Contents Page

BIOLOGY AND TECHNOLOGY ........................................................................................................ 2

1.1 Renowned Ethiopian Biologists ................................................................................................... 2

1.2 Biological research in Ethiopia .................................................................................................. 19

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 UNIT-1

BIOLOGY AND TECHNOLOGY

Contents: 1.1 Renowned Ethiopian Biologists

1.2 Biological research in Ethiopia

1.1 Renowned Ethiopian Biologists

Learning objectives

At the end of this section students will be able to:

 name at least five renowned Ethiopian biologists.

 explain the contributions of these Ethiopian biologists to the international biological
knowledge.

Introduction

Biology is the study of life and living organisms including their structure, function, growth, origin,
evolution, distribution and taxonomy. The word biology is derived from two Greek words: bios
meaning life and logos meaning study. There are different types of plants, animals and other living
organism (microorganisms) around us. These organisms depend on each other and on the
environment where they live. Since biology is a broad discipline, it is sub divided into several
branches. Some of them are shown in the figure below.

Figure 1.1 Branches of biology

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There are different biotechnological activities by which microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, and
viruses are used in the preparation of food, drinks, medicines, agricultural products and energy.
These techniques are studied in a scientific approach called biotechnology.

Biologists study both the outer appearances and internal workings of living things and how living
things interact and where human beings fit into the living world.

All our biological knowledge comes to us by the work of biologists. Biologists are scientists who
study living organisms. They observe their environment and come up with new ideas and carry out
experiments which either support the new idea or suggest it is wrong (to prove or disprove the
hypothesis).

Like all other scientists, biologists publish their new works (researches) in special magazines called
journals. Before an idea is published in a journal, several other well known biologists have to read it
and check that the research has been done to high standard. This process is called peer view.

Biologists use scientific methods to study nature and living things. This method consists of a number
of steps. The following are the main steps.

Figure 1.2 The main steps of scientific method of study

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Biologists write a report on an investigation they have done. The steps to be followed in writing
scientific reports include:

1. Title - that clearly states what is being investigated

2. Hypothesis- a tentative explanation of a suggested problem.
3. Procedure – a clear description of the experimental steps
4. Result- summarized in the form of graphs, verbal explanations, tables, ....
5. Conclusion-written based on the result
6. Evaluation the procedure
7. Acknowledgement of the use of any other persons work

Key words

Hypothesis: - is a scientific guess about what biologist thinks the explanation of an

observation will be.

Journal: -is a regular publication presenting articles on a particular subject.

Peer view: - means evaluation of a person‟s work done by others in the same fields.

Here in Ethiopia, we have some very renowned biologists, whose work is known in Ethiopia and all
over the world. The following scientists are among the most popular Ethiopian researchers
recognized for their contribution in the field of biology, agriculture and medicine.

1. Dr. Aklilu Lemma and the battle against bilharzia (schistosomiasis)

Dr. Aklilu Lemma (1935-1997) is one of Ethiopia‟s most renowned biologists who discovered a
remedy for a disease called bilharzia (Schistosomiasis) from the fruit of a local plant called Endod.

Schistosomiasis ( bilharziasis ):- is a common parasitic disease caused by a parasitic flat worm
which spent part of its life cycle in fresh water snails and part in humans. People washing, working
or playing in shallow fresh water are at risk. Once inside a person, the parasites mature and produce
eggs which are passed out in the urine and faeces. The parasite also infests the blood vessels, liver,
kidneys, bladder and other organs. The body sets up an immune reaction and infected person can
become weakened and ill for many years.

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 Figure 1.3 The parasitic flatworm Figure 1.4 Dr. Aklilu Lemma

Around 300 million people are affected by schistosomiasis in the tropical and sub tropical parts of
the world (i.e. in 74 countries of Africa, Asia and Latin America) ; so the work of Aklilu Lemma
could make an enormous difference in Ethiopia as well as many other countries.

He began his work in1964 when he was investigating the fresh water snail that carries
schistosomiasis parasite around Adwa, Northern Ethiopia. He carried out most important work in
finding ways of controlling the parasites. The method he used is most effective and does not cost too
much.

He saw women washing clothes in the water and he noticed that downstream of the washing party,
there were more dead snails than anywhere else he had collected. The women were using soap berry,
Endod (Phytolacca dodecandra).

He collected some live snails from above the washing party and added the suds of endod into the
container. The snails all died. This was the start of years of work for Dr. AkIlilu.

Back in the laboratory he showed that if endod berries were dried, crushed and diluted in water, it
would kill snails at very low concentrations.

Other scientists carried out similar investigations and got the same results. If the fresh water snails
can be controlled the spread of schistosomiasis can be greatly reduced.

Endod works well, it is cheap, it is well known by the local people and it is environmental friendly
as it breaks down naturally within about two days.

He worked for many years to convince scientists all around the word that his idea would work and
his results were published in journals around the world.

He said that ‘we found poor man’s medicine for poor man’s disease’.

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Dr. Aklilu Lemma and his research associate Dr. Legesse wolde yohonnes has been honored
recognized and were jointly awarded, in November 1989 in Sweden, for their research and
pioneering discoveries.

2. Dr. Tewolde Berhan Gebre Egziabher, an ardent lover of nature

Dr. T/ Berhan Gebre Egziabher, who was born in 1940, is also one of the most renowned Ethiopian
biologists.

 In 2000 he won the Right Livelihood Award (often called the Alternative Nobel Prize) “for
his exemplary work to safeguard Biodiversity and the Traditional Rights of farmers and
communities to their genetic resources”.

 He was instrumental in securing recommendations from the organization of African Unity

(OAU) encouraging African countries to develop and implement community rights, a
common position on trade related aspects of intellectual property right, and a clear stance
against patents on living materials.

 He managed to help achieve progressive, unified policies for Africa such as recognition of
community rights. He also helped to draft the OAU model legislation for community rights,
which is now used across Africa.
 He also won the United Nations top environmental prize, Champions of the Earth, in 2006.
 During the 1990s, he was involved in negotiations at the various biodiversity related
meetings, including the convention on biological diversity (CBD) and the Food and
Agricultural Organization (FAO).

Figure 1.5 Dr Tewolde Berhan Gebre Egziabher

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 3. Professor Tilahun Yilma and his vaccines

Professor Tilahun Yilma is a veterinary virologist at the University of California. He is known

internationally for the vaccine he developed to get rid of the terrible cattle disease rinderpest, and for
his work on HIV/AIDS vaccines.

Rinderpest arrived in Ethiopia in 1888 carried by three infected cattle brought into the country by
Italian soldiers. Within a year 90% of the domestic cattle plus many wild animals such as buffalo,
giraffe and antelope died. As a result 30%-40% of the people starved.

In the 1980‟s rinderpest becomes a major problem again. Professor Tilahun worked to develop a
vaccine using genetic engineering and he was very successful.

His vaccine-

 does not need refrigerator

 it is easily scratched onto animal‟s neck or abdomen so cattle do not need injections from vets
 it can be made relatively cheaply in large quantities.

By 1997 the vaccine was ready for use across Africa, including his country Ethiopia. Now he is
working on, using similar methods, to develop an effective vaccine Against HIV/AIDS. He has been
given many international awards and honours. He is also very active in encouraging young scientists
and establishing the highest quality research establishments here in Africa.

Figure 1.6 Professor Tilahun Yilma

3. Professor Yalemtsehay Mekonen: the first female professor from AAU.

Professor Yalemtsehay Mekonen is a professor of cell and human physiology in the department of
microbial, cellular and molecular biology, faculty of science, Addis Ababa University.

 She worked in this department for the last 40 years.

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  She received her PHD, specializing in human physiology from the University of Heidelberg
in Germany.

One of her research areas is „Assessment of the Impact of Chemical Pesticide Hazard on Humans’.
This research covers almost all government farms including the upper awash agricultural farms in
the rift valley region.

The other area of her research is in „the use of plants as medicine against human and animal
diseases’.

She served as:

 a department head of biology from 1993-1995.

 a director of the Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology from February 2003-otober 2007.
 a president of the Biological Society of Ethiopia.

In leader ship position she was involved in a number of national and international research networks
and collaborations. She is a member of many professional societies, such as

 The biological society of Ethiopia

 The safe environment association
 The Ethiopian Wildlife and Natural History Society
 The New York Academy of Sciences
 The Third World Organization for Women in Science

She has been awarded research grants and fellowships nationally form

 The Ethiopian science and technology commission

 The Ethiopian agricultural research organization and

Internationally from

 The British Council

 The International Foundation for Science
 The Third World Academy of Sciences
 The German Academic Exchange Service and
 The Alexander Von Humboldt Foundation from Germany

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 Figure 1.7 Professor Yalemtsehay Mekonnen, working in biomedical laboratory, AAU

5. Dr. Melaku Worede

Dr. Melaku Worede , who was born in 1936, is an internationally acclaimed plant genetic researcher.
He is an agronomist (Plant genetics and breeding). He has worked for many years to save the genetic
diversity of domestic plants of Ethiopia. He set up Plant Genetic Resources Center in Addis Ababa.
He has preserved many different traditional crop varieties and developed ways of farming that
produce high yields without commercial fertilizers. His methods are now widely used in other parts
of Africa and Asia. He was the first chair of the African Committee for Plant and Genetic Resources.
 He has won the Right Livelihood Award (Alternative Nobel Prize) in 1989 for outstanding
vision and work.
 In 2008 he received the Outstanding International Contribution Award, from the National
Green Award Foundation.

Figure 1.8 Dr. Melaku Worede, an internationally acclaimed plant genetics researcher

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6. Professor Gabissa Ejeta

Gabissa Ejeta was born in a small rural village. He walked 20 miles to school every Sunday
evening and return home on Friday. He learnt in Jimma Agricultural and Technical School and
Alemaya College where he took his first degree. He specializes in plant breeding and genetics.

He did research on sorghum and got his PHD from Purdue University in USA where he still holds a
professor ship.

He has helped to develop Africa‟s first commercial hybrid strain of sorghum. The strain needs less
water, is resistant to disease and draught and yields more than the traditional variety (10x greater).

He also developed other strain of sorghum which is resistant to the parasitic striga weed. His work
makes a big difference to the food availability to many areas of Ethiopia and other Africa countries.

In 2009, he was awarded the World Food Prize which is the most agricultural prize in the world. He
has also been awarded the National Hero Award of Ethiopia for his work.

Figure 1.9 Professor Gebissa Ejeta who has been honoured for his work in developing new, high
yielding strains of sorghums which grow well in our conditions

7. Professor Beyene Petros

Prof. Beyene Petros is a biomedical scientist and long serving professor at AAU with a distinguished
academic career.

 He served as chairman, Advisory Committee on Health Research and Development,

WH0/AFRO, 1997-2000.

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  He also served as a vice minister of education (1991-1993) and many other scientific
societies.

 He has produced more than 43 publications in reputable scientific journals and published
books.
 He has won Gold Medal Award from Ethiopian Health Association;
 Fellowships from Fulbright and from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta,
USA.

Figure 1.10 Professor Beyene Petros

8. Professor Sebsebe Demissew

 Sebsebe Demissew is Professor of Plant Systematics and Biodiversity in Addis Ababa University
and Executive Director of the Gullele Botanic Garden in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
 He obtained his PhD in Systematic Botany from the Institute of Systematic Botany, Uppsala
University, Uppsala, Sweden.
 He served as the Leader of the Flora of Ethiopia and Eritrea between 1996 until its completion in
2009 in which 6000 species with 10% endemics are documented.
 Over the years he has had a number of successful collaborative research projects with a number
of Universities in Europe and Africa.
 He is a member of national and international professional organizations; served as
 Chair of the Biological Society of Ethiopia,
 Secretary General of the Association for the Taxonomic Study of the Flora of Tropical Africa,
 Council member of International Association of Plant Taxonomy.

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 Figure 1.11 Professor Sebsebe Demissew

9. Dr. Zeresenay Alemseged

Dr. Zeresenay Alemseged is an Ethiopian paleoanthropologist and was Chair of the Anthropology
Department at the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco, United States.

He is best known for his discovery, on December 10, 2000, of Selam, also referred to as “Lucy‟s
child”, the almost-complete fossilized remains of a 3.3 million-year-old child of the
species Australopithecus afarensis. This is the world‟s oldest child.

Alemseged discovered Selam while working with the Dikika Research Project (DRP), a multi-
national research project, which he both initiated in 1999 and leads.

Figure 1.12 Dr. Zeresenay Alemseged

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10. Dr Tsehaynesh Mesele

Dr. Tsehaynesh Mesele Was the Director General of the Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research
Institute (EHNRI) during the writing of this book (2010 G.C) and leads research in human health,
including HIV/AIDS.

Dr. Tsehaynesh Messele was, until recently, the Chief Executive officer of the African Society for
Laboratory Medicine (ASLM).

She also served as National Program Manager for Ethio-Netherlands AIDS Research Project, a big
bilateral collaboration project between the Ethiopian and the Netherlands governments.

She serves in a number of National and international executive boards. She has received a number of
awards including the Ethiopian Public Health Association award.

Figure 1.13 Dr Tsehaynesh Meselle

11. Dr Berhane Asfaw

 Is an Ethiopian scientist whose team discovered two 160,000 years old human skulls, some of
the oldest that have ever been found.
 His discoveries were published in the famous scientific journal, nature and have had a great
impact on the study of human evolution around the world

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 Figure 1.14 Dr Berhane Asfaw

12. Professor Legesse Negash

 Is a professor of plant physiology in the department of biology, AAU.

 He is a pioneer in the propagation of Ethiopia‟s indigenous trees and is the founder and leader of
the Center for Indigenous Trees Propagation and Biodiversity development in Ethiopia
 He has established a Plant Tissue Culture and Seed Physiology laboratory and a nursery in the
department of biology.
 He is winner of several awards including the Stockholm based international foundation for
sciences, Crop Science Society of Ethiopia, and Ethiopian National and regional Green Awards.

Figure 1.15 Professor Legese Negash

13. Professor Mogessie Ashenafi

 Professor Mogessie Ashenafi works at AAU and leads international research into food
microbiology.

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 He is professor emeritus of food microbiology at the Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa
University in Ethiopia.

 He has studied the microbial dynamics of the fermentation of traditional Ethiopian foods and the
behaviour of several enteric pathogens during the fermentation process.

 He has been a Fulbright fellow and has also won the Faculty Scientific Achievement Award of
the Ethiopian Scientific Society.

Figure 1.16 Professor Mogessie Ashenafi

14. Professor Ensermu Kelbessa

 Professor Ensermu Kelbessa is one of the leading Botanists who has discovered and named many
new plant species.

 He was born in 1952 in the Oromia Region, West Shewa Zone, Ginchi Woreda.
 In recent years he oversaw the establishment of the new "Department of Plant Biology and
Biodiversity Management".
 In acknowledgment of his extensive contributions, Addis Ababa University awarded him the
Annual Distinguished Teaching Service Award.
 He published more than 100 articles, solo or co-authored, and contributed numerous peer
reviews on an annual basis.
 He was a member of the Biological Society of Ethiopia, the International Association of Plant
Taxonomy, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Species Survival
Commission, the East African Plants Red List Authority, the Ethiopian Academy of Sciences,
the Coffee Forum and the Ethiopian Forum for Environment.

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 Figure 1.17 Professor Ensermu Kelbessa

15. Dr. Dawit Abate:

 He is an associate professor at Addis Ababa University, Biology department.
 He has diversified his research results in various application areas.
 One of his research outputs is extraction of antibiotics from microbes.
 He has identified several novel and potentially useful secondary products from cultures of
Ethiopian fungi.

Figure 1.18 Dr. Dawit Abate

16. Dr. Azage Tegegne (Animal Scientist)

 Azage Tegegne, a senior scientist working with the International Livestock Research Institute
(ILRI) in Ethiopia has received recognition from Australia‟s James Cook University for his
outstanding contributions to agricultural research in Africa.

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 He was honored for his more than 25 years of work, including being a founder member of the
Ethiopian Society of Animal Production and a founding fellow of the Ethiopian Academy of
Sciences.
 He has authored and co-authored more than 280 scientific and professional articles in journals,
proceedings volumes and book chapters.
 He is the recipient of International Visitor Program of the United States Department of State
(2004); and the Chancellor‟s Gold Medal for best graduate in the Faculty of Agriculture, AAU
(1983).

Figure 1.19 Dr.Azage Tegegne

17. Dr. Segenet Kelemu (Agricultural Scientist)

 She is the Director General of the International Center for Insect Physiology and Ecology,
Nairobi, Kenya.

 She also got honorary doctorate from Bahir Dar University in 2019 for her contribution in
science and women leadership in Africa.

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 Figure 1.20 Dr. Segenet Kelemu

REVIEW QUESTIONS

I. Short answer questions

1. Clearly explain what biology is and list down at least 10 branches of biology.

2. Name at least five Ethiopian scientists who have made internationally recognized contributions

in their field. Describe their main works and explain why it is so important.

3. What are the main advantages of using Endod in the battle against bilharzias?

4. Why is Professor Yalemtsehay Mekonnen internationally renowned?

5. What is rinderpest?

6. Why is the work of Dr Gebissa Ejeta so important?

III. Project work

1. Find out one or two more biologists other than those mentioned in this topic, and write a
report about the biologist and give a brief talk (presentation) to the rest of the class.
2. What is biotechnology? Describe the use of biotechnology for Ethiopia.
3. Select three Ethiopian popular biologists and fill the following table:
No Ethiopian popular Major The contribution to The contribution to
Biologist innovations Ethiopian the global scientific
Development community
1
2
3

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 1.2 Biological research in Ethiopia

Objectives

At the end of this section you will be able to:

 explain how scientific institutions contribute to scientific research.

 name some Ethiopian Institutions involved in biological research.
 explain the activities and contributions of some of these Ethiopian Research Institutions.

Biologists like other scientists, do not work alone. A biologist needs equipments, laboratories and
other biologists to discuss ideas and develop theories. They work in many different areas, from
plants to animals and from medicine to classification and genetics. Ethiopia has a number of well-
known institutions that are involved in biological researches. Our country continues to invest in
these institutions and to develop more.

Our biologists have international reputations in many fields. Biologists from other African nations
and from other continents come to our institution to take part in the research programs, and our
biologists also travel to other countries. Sharing knowledge across the world is an important part of
science and Ethiopia plays her part in this.

The following are some of the institutions that play important parts in biological researches in
Ethiopia.

1. Addis Ababa University(AAU), Biology Department

AAU is very large university with an international reputation and the biology department is no
exception. It is a top university and one of the major centers of biological research in the country. It
is also home to the Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology (ALIP).

Biology department contains much modern and high level equipment to help biologists in their
research. The department is also involved in food science and nutrition program.

There are many other renowned universities, which all have active biology departments where
teaching and research takes place. These include:-

 Haromaya university
 Mekele university
 Jimma university
 Hawassa university
 Gonder university
 Bahirdar university

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2. Armauer Hansen Research Institute (AHRI)

Armauer Hansen Research Institute is a biomedical research institute working in training and
research capacity building activities. It has got its name from the Norwegian physician, Gerhard
Henrik Armauer Hansen who first described the leprosy bacillus ( Mycobacterium leprae) for the
first time on 28 February 1873 and indeed was first to link a chronic infectious disease in humans to
a microorganism. It was first set up in 1969 sited next to a big hospital dedicated to patients with
leprosy and it carried out research only into leprosy. However, since 1969 leprosy has become a
disease that we can treat quite effectively.

Since 1996, AHRI has widened its research to include Tuberculosis (TB), leishmaniasis, malaria and
HIV/AIDS as well as leprosy (disease of the skin and peripheral nervous system).

3. Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology (ALIPB)

The department of pathobiology at AAU has been renamed as “Aklilu Lemma Institute of
Pathobiology (ALIPB) in honour of Professor Aklilu Lemma. ALIPB is a center of excellence for
biomedical research and training. It carries out research in five major areas.

1. Microbiology research program into the major infectious disease

2. Research on vectors of disease and how to control them
3. Human parasitic diseases research program
4. Animal health and zoonotic disease research program
5. Research into Endod and other useful medicinal plants

It also plays an important role in training new Ethiopian pathobiologists. Students with first degree
in biomedical science (i.e. biology, human medicine, veterinary medicine laboratory technology) can
apply to do masters degree in tropical and infectious diseases at the institute.

4. Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute (EHNRI)

EHNRI is an organization that carries out research into health and nutrition issues, which affect
public health. Its role is both to identity problems and to create awareness on how to overcome the
problems and improve their levels of nutrition and health. It has well equipped laboratory for
research into immunology and viral diseases.

At the moment EHNRI is carrying out a lot of work into HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia. For example,
biologists working with EHNRI are following the progression of HIV/ AIDS in two populations of
factory workers (about 2000 people) over a long period of time. The research began in 1994; they
are planning to work with more people in the future and are also hoping to set up a possible HIV
vaccine.

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EHNRI :-

 Is also active in the battle against TB and it houses the national TB reference laboratory.
 It is involved in the rapid diagnosis of TB.
 It is also involved in issues such as nutritional state of mothers and babies.
 It is also involved in the study of infectious disease.

5. Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR) also called Institute of Agricultural

Research (IAR)

Agriculture is farming crops and livestock. It is the life force of our country. About 90% of our
exports and around 80% of our economy depends on agricultural activities.

EIAR is an institute where biologists with a passion for improving agriculture and supporting
everyone who cultivates the land or raise livestock in Ethiopia carry out research.

There are 5 (five) main areas of research:

1. BBT1 0 0 1 496.9 554.74 Tm[(ms9] TJtor)-k

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  Research into the management of the ecosystem is also an important part of the work.
 It also holds one of the leading gene banks in the whole of Africa with over 300 plant species.

Current areas of research in the IBC look at:

 Forest and aquatic plants

 Medicinal plants
 Animal genetic resources
 Biotechnology and safely
 Ecosystem conservation

7. The Institute of Animal Health Research (IAHR)

IAHR, established in 1992 in Sebeta, devises an effective and sustainable animal health
management system to assist the sector in achieving its potential level of production and
productivity, duly contributing to the national economy and public health.

8. The Forestry Research Center (FRC) and the Wood Utilization Research Center (WURC)

FRC and WURC conduct research on the conservation and development of forestry and
sustainable utilization of forest products. Since their establishment several adaptability trails,
mainly of exotic species have been launched nationwide.

Research has been carried out on social forestry (agro forestry and forest management). Agro
forestry concentrates on off-farm and on-farm trials to test the adaptability and compatibility of
multipurpose tree/shrub species with various crops and patterns of planting in different agro
climatic zones. Fuel wood consumption, fodder production and a number of planting patterns
have been studied.

9. Dikika Research Project (DRP)

 The Afar region in Northeastern Ethiopia has played host to some of the world's most
important hominin discoveries.
 The two most influential to date are the 1974 discovery of the famous "Lucy" skeleton, and
Academy Research Associate Dr. Zeresenay Alemseged‟s 2000 discovery of “Selam,” a 3-
year-old Australopithecus afarensis female that predated Lucy herself.
 Since 1999, the Academy has conducted annual field seasons in this fossil-rich area of east
Africa as part of the Dikika Research Project, an effort founded by Alemseged.
10. Jimma Agricultural Research institute
 Jimma Agricultural Research Center was established in 1967.

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  Currently, the Center has two subcenters: Gera and Haru and three testing sites, i.e., Mettu,
Mugi and Agaro.
 The Center is mandated to coordinate coffee research nationally.
 Moreover, nationally integrated soil fertility and crop production, and integrated watershed
management research are coordinated by the Center.
11. Holeta National Agricultural Research Institute
 Holeta Agricultural Research Center (HARC) was established in 1966 under the Institute of
Agricultural Research (IAR), now EIAR.
 The Center is located in Holeta town and has two sub-centers and two testing sites. Ginchi
and Ada Berga subcenters focus on Vertisol and dairy research, respectively, while Adadi and
Jeldu testing sites are for highland crops research activities.
 Nowadays the center consists of National Agricultural Biotechnology Research institute,
which is one of the recently established research centers of the Ethiopian Institute of
Agricultural Research.
 Before the center was upgraded to a fully-fledged research center level, it was a National
Agricultural Biotechnology Laboratory (NABL).
 The Laboratory was established as an independent biotechnology research facility under the
administration of Holeta Agricultural Research Center (HARC) on September 2010.
 Currently, the Center conducts research activities at four of its laboratories in areas of
 Plant tissue culture biotechnology research,
 Central molecular biotechnology research,
 Animal biotechnology research, and
 Microbial biotechnology research.
12. Debre zeit Agricultural Research Center
 Debre Zeit Agricultural Research Center was established in 1953 under Alemaya
Agricultural College, now Haramaya University.
 The Center was then transferred to Ethiopian Agricultural Research Organizationin in 1984.
 Debre Zeit Agricultural Research Center (DZARC) is mandated for the improvement of teff,
durum wheat, chickpea, lentil, forage crops, vegetables (shallot and garlic), fruits (grapevine),
poultry, dairy, small ruminants, animal nutrition, and land and water.

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Review question

PART I. Select the correct answer from A to D

1. EHNRI carries out research into

A. Health and nutrition issues
B. Farming
C. Biodiversity
D. Soil and water
2. Before it widened it research the Armauer Hansen research institute studied only
A. HIV/AIDS
B. Tuberculosis
C. Leprosy
D. Cervical cancer
3. ALIPB is world- renowned for research into
A. Different disease and their control
B. Improved agricultural practices
C. Human evolution
D. Environment conservation
4. The biological research institute which is working in improving levels of nutrition and health is
A. Armauer Hansen research institute (AHRI)
B. Aklilu lemma institute of pathobioogy (ALIPB)
C. Ethiopia health and nutrition research institute (EHNRI)
D. Ethiopian institute of agricultural research (EIAR)

5. Currently, Holeta National Agricultural Research Institute conducts research activities in areas of

A. Plant tissue culture biotechnology research

B. Central molecular biotechnology research
C. Animal biotechnology research
D. All of the above

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6. Jimma Agricultural Research institute:
A. has played host to some of the world's most important hominin discoveries.

B. mandated for the improvement of teff, durum wheat, chickpea, lentil, forage crops,
vegetables
C. mandated to coordinate coffee research nationally.
D. It also holds one of the leading gene banks in the whole of Africa with over 300 plant
species.

PART II. Match the listed Ethiopian institution in column ‘A’ with their research area in
column ‘B’.

A B
1. AHRI A. carries out research on Endod
2. ALIPB B. carries out research on leprosy
3. EHNRI C. conservation of plants, animal and microorganism
4. EIAR D. ways of improving the health of our livestock
5. IBC E. concerned on nutritional state of mothers and babies

Activity 1. Visiting any nearby University having Biology, Biotechnology, Agriculture and health
departments. Visit and observe their laboratories and Research activities they conduct and write a
report.

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Summary
In this unit you have learnt that:

• Biology is the study of life and living organisms.

Biologists use scientific methods to study nature and living things. This method consists of a number
of steps. These are observation, problem identification, background research, hypothesis
construction, experimentation, analysis, conclusion and report the result.

• Scientific research is based on the ideas of scientists. They design experiments to test these ideas or
hypothesis. Results of these experiments are published in peer-reviewed journals, which are read by
scientists around the world.

• Ethiopia has some renowned biologists whose work is known both in Ethiopia and internationally.
They include Dr Aklilu Lemma, Professor Tilahun Yilma, Professor Yalemtsehay Mekonnen, Dr
Melaku Worede, Dr Legesse Woldeyes, Professor Gebissa Ejeta, Dr Berhane Asfaw, Professor
Legesse Negash, Professor Mogessie Ashenafi, Professor Ensermu Kelbessa and many others.

• Most biological research is linked to a research institution that has the facilities which are needed.
There are a number of well-known Ethiopian biological research institutions.

End of unit questions

1. a) Name two Ethiopian biologists who have made internationally recognized contributions in
their field.
b) Describe the main work of both of the biologists you have chosen and explain why it is so
important.
2. What are the main advantages of using Endod in the battle against bilharzia?
3. Why is Professor Yalemtsehay Mekonnen internationally renowned?
4. What is rinderpest?
5. Why is the work of Dr Gebissa Ejeta so important?
6. Why are scientific institutions important to biological research?
7. a) Name three institutions involved in different types of biological research in Ethiopia.
b) Summarise the areas of biological research carried out by each institution.

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Copy the crossword puzzle below into your exercise book (or your teacher may give you a
photocopy) and solve the numbered clues to complete it.

Across
2. Professor Tilahun Yilma developed a vaccine against this disease (10)
4. The Ethiopian scientist who has helped make food more available with his new breeds of
sorghum is Dr Gebissa ***** (5)
7. What type of trees are planted in Ethiopia by Professor Legesse Negash? (10)
8. The Armauer Hansen Research Institute (4)
9. The surname of the Ethiopian scientist who discovered a way to prevent bilharzia (5)
Down
1. A new scientific idea (10)
3. What is studied at the EIAR (IAR)? (11)
5. What is the name of the plant which kills the snails which cause bilharzia? (5)
6. What do we call a special magazine where scientists publish their research? (7)

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