The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) is celebrating five decades of groundbreaking research and global partnerships dedicated to improving livestock systems for better lives and a healthier planet. Over the years, ILRI has emerged as a leader in sustainable livestock solutions, addressing challenges related to food security, climate resilience, and environmental health.

With the launch of its 2024–2030 corporate strategy, “Unlocking Sustainable Livestock’s Potential Through Research for Better Lives and a Better Planet,” ILRI aims to expand its impact by tackling urgent development issues through innovation and collaboration.

A Legacy of Research and Collaboration

Established on September 21, 1994, ILRI is an international not-for-profit research organization founded through agreements between Kenya, Ethiopia, Denmark, Sweden, the Swiss Confederation, and the United Nations Environment Programme. Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, and co-hosted in Ethiopia, ILRI operates as one of the 15 CGIAR research centers, partnering with governments, research institutions, universities, private sector organizations, and local communities worldwide.

By combining global expertise with local knowledge, ILRI develops innovative livestock solutions that enhance productivity, strengthen climate resilience, and promote environmental sustainability.

In Kenya, ILRI collaborates with ministries, research institutes like the Kenya Agriculture and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), and community organizations to support the dairy, poultry, and small ruminant sectors. Key initiatives include:

• Livestock genetics: Projects such as the Tropical Poultry Genetic Solutions (TPGS) and the African Dairy Genetic Gains (ADGG) aim to improve genetic resources for livestock.
• Animal nutrition: Research on forage crops, including Napier grass and Brachiaria grasses, enhances dairy productivity.
• Animal health: Efforts include vaccine research, such as trials for a subunit vaccine against contagious bovine pleuropneumonia.

ILRI’s work also extends to restoring rangelands, promoting climate-smart livestock systems, and advancing sustainable crop-livestock integration.

ILRI Driving Innovation for a Better Future

ILRI’s achievements include developing vaccines for diseases like East Coast Fever and breeding high-yield, disease-resistant livestock tailored to climate-vulnerable regions. These advancements have improved food security and productivity for millions of smallholder farmers.

The new 2024–2030 strategy focuses on:

• Targeted solutions: Customizing interventions to specific livestock value chains.
• Policy influence: Providing evidence-based recommendations to policymakers and investors.
• Impactful partnerships: Strengthening collaborations across local, national, and global levels.
• Resource mobilization: Securing funding to sustain research and innovation.

By pursuing these priorities, ILRI aims to impact over 300 million lives by advancing food security, reducing poverty, and mitigating climate change.

A Call for Collective Action

Marking its 50th anniversary, ILRI acknowledges its legacy of partnerships and innovation that have improved livestock systems globally. As demand for animal products grows, particularly in Africa and Asia, the institute remains committed to fostering sustainable livestock solutions that address the complex challenges of climate change and development.

ILRI’s Director General, Prof. Appolinaire Djikeng, emphasized the importance of collective action and commended the partnerships that have made the institute soar this far.

“Our research aims to benefit hundreds of millions more people by deploying scalable solutions and influencing policies and investments. Together, we can achieve sustainable growth, enhanced livelihoods, and a healthier planet,” he said.

ILRI invites stakeholders across sectors to join in building sustainable, equitable, and resilient livestock systems for a brighter future.