Background

The Genesis and Evolution of Faculty of Meteorology and Hydrology 

The Faculty of Meteorology and Hydrology (FMH) at Arba Minch University has its roots in the establishment of the Arba Minch Water Technology Institute (AWTI) in September 1986. This initiative was driven by Ethiopia’s urgent need to improve water resource management, a priority underscored by the catastrophic 1984/85 drought and famine in Northern Ethiopia. The disaster, which impacted millions and claimed numerous lives, emphasized the critical need for enhanced water management and agricultural practices, likely accelerating the decision to create AWTI under Ethiopia’s Water Resource Commission.

Meteorology and hydrology were core programs from the institute’s inception, reflecting a strategic focus on training professionals to manage Ethiopia’s water resources and mitigate future crises. In 1993, AWTI’s oversight shifted to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, and by the 1995/96 academic year, it was transferred to the Ministry of Education. Following the 1991 change in central government led by the EPRDF, AWTI underwent significant restructuring, consolidating all departments into a single Water Resources Engineering program. Recognizing the value of specialized fields, the institute reinstated Hydraulic, Irrigation, and Sanitary Engineering departments in 1996, followed by the revival of the Department of Meteorology in 2001, which introduced Advanced Diploma and Bachelor’s degree programs.

Expanding Horizons: From Department to Faculty

The integration of these fields offers a holistic perspective on our planet's water and weather, enhancing our ability to predict and manage environmental challenges. Historically, advances like rainfall measurement and satellite data have propelled both fields. Today, modern tools such as advanced satellites, radar, and sophisticated computational models facilitate integrated applications, leading to more precise flood forecasting and effective drought management. This combined approach is vital for addressing critical global issues like climate change and water security. Continued advancements in data collection, modeling, and interdisciplinary collaboration are key to further progress in these areas.

Mission, Vision and Educational Goals of the Program

Mission

The Faculty of Meteorology and Hydrology at Arba Minch University has the following missions  

• M1: Deliver high-quality, practice-oriented education in meteorology and hydrology to produce competent, job-ready graduates.
• M2: Conduct innovative, problem-driven research on atmospheric and hydrological systems to generate locally relevant scientific knowledge.
• M3: Engage with communities, government agencies, and industry to translate knowledge into solutions for climate resilience, water security, and sustainable development.
• M4: Contribute to national and regional socioeconomic development by addressing critical challenges such as drought, flood, and climate variability through science-based interventions.
• M5: Promote interdisciplinary collaboration across sectors (e.g., agriculture, energy, public health, and disaster risk management) to support integrated environmental governance and policy.
• M6: Instill ethical professionalism, scientific integrity, and a commitment to lifelong learning in students and staff preparing future leaders who serve society responsibly.

 Vision

To be a leading center of excellence in Ethiopia and Africa for meteorology and hydrology education and research, fostering sustainable management of water resources and climate-resilient solutions by 2030. The faculty aspires to produce graduates who are globally competitive and capable of addressing environmental challenges through interdisciplinary approaches.

Educational Goals

1. Comprehensive Knowledge Development: Equip students with a deep understanding of the fundamental principles of meteorology and hydrology, integrating the dynamics of the atmosphere, lithosphere, and hydrosphere to solve real-world problems.
2. Practical Application and Problem-Solving: Train students to apply meteorological and hydrological knowledge to address national challenges, such as water resource management, climate monitoring, and disaster risk reduction, through hands-on training and research.
3. Climate Change and Sustainability Expertise: Develop professionals skilled in climate change modeling, adaptation, and mitigation strategies, with a focus on sustainable development and integrated water resource management.
4. Research and Innovation: Foster a research-oriented environment that encourages students and faculty to conduct cutting-edge studies in meteorology, agro-meteorology, hydrology, and climate science to support evidence-based decision-making.
5. Community and Industry Engagement: Prepare graduates to provide advisory services, early warning systems, and climate-resilient solutions to stakeholders in agriculture, water management, and disaster preparedness, enhancing community resilience.
6. Global Competence and Collaboration: Cultivate graduates with intercultural and international competencies through partnerships with global institutions, enabling them to contribute to Ethiopia’s aspirations for quality education and sustainable development.

Program Justification

The Bachelor of Science in Meteorology and Hydrology is a four-year, eight-semester, 158-credit-hour (277 ECTS) program designed to address Ethiopia’s pressing environmental, economic, and societal challenges. It was strategically designed to produce skilled professionals capable of tackling issues related to weather, climate variability, water resources, and their impacts on sustainable development. Below is a concise justification for its establishment and continuation:

•         Mitigating Climate Vulnerability

Ethiopia faces recurrent droughts, floods, and erratic rainfall, impacting agriculture, which supports over 70% of the population and a significant portion of GDP. This program equips graduates to analyze weather patterns, develop early warning systems, and create climate-resilient solutions to safeguard food security, livelihoods, and infrastructure.

•         Leveraging Strategic Location

In summary, AMU’s BSc in Meteorology and Hydrology addresses Ethiopia’s critical needs in climate resilience, water management, and disaster preparedness. Aligned with national and global goals, it positions AMU as a regional center of excellence, driving sustainable development and socioeconomic progress.

•         Aligning with National Priorities

The program supports Ethiopia’s Climate-Resilient Green Economy (CRGE) strategy and Growth and Transformation Plans by training professionals in weather forecasting, hydrological modeling, and environmental monitoring, fostering sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction.

•         Addressing Human Resource Shortages

Ethiopia lacks trained meteorologists and hydrologists, despite demand from government agencies, NGOs, and private sectors in agriculture, energy, and disaster management. The program bridges this gap with practical and theoretical training in weather prediction, water resource assessment, and climate data analysis.

•         Supporting Key Sectors

With agriculture reliant on rain-fed systems and hydropower critical to energy (e.g., Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam), graduates provide expertise in agro-meteorology, irrigation, and reservoir management, enhancing productivity and economic stability. 

•         Strengthening Disaster Preparedness

Frequent floods, landslides, and droughts in regions like SNNPR require robust early warning systems and risk assessment. Graduates develop these tools, bolstering community resilience and supporting disaster risk reduction efforts.

•         Fostering Research and Innovation

The program encourages research on climate change, groundwater depletion, and air pollution, leveraging AMU’s resources and partnerships (e.g., AMU-IUC with Belgian universities) to innovate solutions like cost-effective weather monitoring and sustainable water practices.

•         Regional and Global Impact

The program positions AMU as a leader in East Africa, training professionals to address transboundary water and climate challenges, contributing to IGAD initiatives and UN SDGs, particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation).

•         Driving Socioeconomic Growth

By producing graduates with skills for careers in academia, government, NGOs, or entrepreneurship (e.g., weather consultancy), the program fosters job creation and strengthens Ethiopia’s human capital.

In summary, AMU’s BSc in Meteorology and Hydrology addresses Ethiopia’s critical needs in climate resilience, water management, and disaster preparedness. Aligned with national and global goals, it positions AMU as a regional center of excellence, driving sustainable development and socioeconomic progress.

Program Educational Objectives (PEOs)

The Program Educational Objectives (PEOs) outline the expected career and professional accomplishments of BSc graduates in Meteorology and Hydrology within a few years (typically 3–5 years) after completing the program. These objectives are tailored to align with the program’s mission, the needs of stakeholders (e.g., employers, industry, government, and society), and the specific demands of the meteorology and hydrology fields. Table 3 lists the Program Educational Objectives (PEOs) for the BSc in Meteorology and Hydrology.

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs), also known as Student Learning Outcomes, are specific, measurable statements that describe the knowledge, skills, abilities, and attitudes that students are expected to achieve by the time they complete an academic program, such as a BSc in Meteorology and Hydrology. Unlike Program Educational Objectives (PEOs), which focus on long-term career and professional accomplishments (3–5 years after graduation), PLOs are focused on what students can demonstrate at the point of graduation. PLOs are aligned with the program’s curriculum and support the broader PEOs. Table 4 lists the Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)for the BSc in Meteorology and Hydrology.