Appolinaire Djikeng, ILRI's Director General speaking during the ILRI’s 50th Anniversary in Nairobi, Kenya [Nanjinia Wamuswa, Standard]
The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) is celebrating five decades of pioneering research and partnerships dedicated to transforming livestock systems for better lives and a better planet.
As a leader in livestock research, ILRI has consistently advanced sustainable solutions for food security, climate resilience and environmental health. With the launch of its new corporate strategy for 2024-2030, ILRI is poised to scale its impact, addressing the most pressing development challenges through research and collaboration.
ILRI was established on September, 21 1994 as an international not-for-profit livestock research organization by an Establishing Agreement signed by Kenya, Ethiopia, Denmark, Sweden, the Swiss Confederation and the United Nations Environment Programme.
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Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, ILRI is co-hosted by Ethiopia, with agreements signed by both Kenya and Ethiopia in 1994 and 1995, respectively.
As one of the 15 Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) research centres, ILRI works with a diverse network of partners to develop innovative livestock solutions with far-reaching development impacts. The institute’s approach harnesses cutting-edge research not only to increase productivity but also to ensure that livestock systems contribute to climate resilience, environmental sustainability and inclusive development.
Appolinaire Djikeng, ILRI's Director General, explained that the 50th anniversary is a moment to reflect on the institute’s journey, defined by partnership, innovation and a commitment to improving lives through livestock.
“Today is not only a day to celebrate our collective successes, but also to envision a future where we continue to promote collective action to transform food systems and build inclusive and sustainable resilience through livestock,” he said.
He highlighted the invaluable contributions of regional and local research partners, whose work has turned funding into tangible impact for millions of families. He reveals, “We have trained thousands of scientists, extension workers, and farmers, ensuring that our knowledge translates into impact.”
Djikeng noted that ILRI’s innovations have benefited millions of smallholder farmers worldwide, from developing vaccines for diseases like East Coast Fever to improving livestock breeds for climate-vulnerable regions.
In Kenya, he praises ILRI for providing pastoralists with innovative solutions like livestock insurance to help communities withstand climate shocks and build resilience.
The institute has also focused on empowering women, who play a critical role in managing livestock and ensuring that solutions are accessible to them.
ILRI’s work in Ethiopia has focused on boosting milk and meat yields to improve food security for rural populations. In Kenya, ILRI has supported pastoralists with innovative solutions such as livestock insurance to help communities withstand climate shocks.
Dr. Andrew Karanja, Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, in his opening remarks at the anniversary celebrations, reflected on the partnership between the government and ILRI that has transformed the approach to livestock development and agricultural innovation in the country.
“ILRI’s presence in Kenya has been more than just physical; it has been deeply impactful. From the establishment of its headquarters in Nairobi, ILRI has worked alongside the Kenyan government, local organizations and farmers to address some of the most pressing challenges in agriculture,” he said.
He noted that ILRI’s research has had significant impacts on livestock systems in Kenya, improving genetics, disease management and feeding practices. These innovations have boosted productivity and resilience in Kenya’s dairy, poultry and beef sectors.
“Research is at the heart of progress,” Dr. Karanja adding, “ILRI’s ability to combine global expertise with local understanding has made it an invaluable asset to Kenya. Through collaboration, we can unlock even greater potential for the livestock sector and agriculture as a whole.”
The CS assured that the government remains committed to strengthening the partnership, noting that ILRI’s 2024-2030 strategy aligns with Kenya's Agricultural Sector Transformation and Growth Strategy (ASTGS). He expressed particular support for ILRI’s focus on innovation, inclusivity, and resilience in building food systems fit for the future.
ILRI works closely with Kenyan ministries, research institutes, universities, local government offices, NGOs, private companies, and communities. Its main partnership is with the Kenyan Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO).
Over the years, ILRI and KALRO have supported the dairy, poultry, and small ruminant sectors through various initiatives, including the Tropical Poultry Genetic Solutions (TPGS) project, the African Dairy Genetic Gains (ADGG) project, and the biobanking of Kenyan chicken genetic resources.
ILRI has also worked on improving animal nutrition through research on forages, such as exploring sequence diversity in nappier grass and identifying Brachiaria grasses for dairy production.
Namukulo Covic, CGIAR Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, praised the institute’s partnerships, stating that ILRI’s work, in collaboration with governments, NGOs, the private sector, and local communities, has empowered farmers and livestock keepers to build more resilient food systems, even in the face of climate change and other global challenges.
“As we embark on this new strategy, we are taking a critical step forward in harnessing the power of livestock research to achieve food systems transformation,” Covic added.
As global challenges continue to evolve, ILRI remains committed to fostering partnerships that support the adoption of sustainable livestock solutions. Its research continues to drive improvements in the productivity, resilience, and sustainability of livestock systems, especially in Africa and Asia, where demand for animal products is rapidly growing.
Looking ahead to its next 50 years, ILRI calls on stakeholders from all sectors to join in supporting the transformation of livestock systems for a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient world.
ILRI's corporate strategy for 2024-2030, titled "Unlocking Sustainable Livestock’s Potential Through Research for Better Lives and a Better Planet," focuses on co-designing and deploying sustainable livestock innovations, and leveraging scientific evidence for policy and investment decisions.
“This new strategy builds upon ILRI’s 50-year legacy of groundbreaking research and partnerships that have advanced livestock health, productivity, and environmental sustainability,” explains Djikeng.
He explains, the strategy includes targeted solutions tailored to specific livestock value chains, providing evidence-based advice to policymakers, strengthening partnerships with local and global collaborators, and securing sustainable resources for research and innovation.
He finalises that, all the collaborative efforts aim to positively impact over 300 million people, addressing critical development issues such as food security, poverty reduction, and climate change.
