The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) has recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, marking five decades of research and collaboration aimed at transforming livestock systems to improve livelihoods and foster a healthier planet. The institution, which is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, has made significant contributions to addressing global challenges such as food insecurity, climate change, and poverty, particularly in developing countries.
As part of its commitment to sustainable development, ILRI has launched a new corporate strategy designed to scale its impact on global food security, climate resilience, and environmental health. This strategy is centered on enhancing the productivity and sustainability of livestock systems while promoting equity and resilience across communities. A core component of the strategy is the emphasis on context-specific, targeted solutions that cater to the unique challenges faced by local populations. ILRI aims to work closely with local communities to improve food production systems, recognizing that partnerships with communities are crucial for implementing lasting solutions.
In addition to its community-focused approach, ILRI’s new strategy highlights the importance of influencing policy and investment at local, national, and global levels. By driving policy changes and securing investments in sustainable livestock systems, ILRI hopes to create an environment that supports long-term development and prosperity. The goal is to build resilient and equitable livestock systems that not only boost food security but also contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts.
The Director General of ILRI, Appolinaire Djikeng, emphasized that the new strategy is a transformative step towards unlocking the full potential of sustainable livestock. According to Djikeng, the strategy will enable ILRI to inspire new directions in research and innovation, resulting in scalable solutions that can benefit millions of people globally. By influencing policies and investments, ILRI aims to significantly expand its impact, reaching hundreds of millions more people and making a positive difference in their lives.
Siboniso Moyo, ILRI’s Deputy Director General, also highlighted the importance of building resilience in Africa’s food systems, particularly for pastoral communities that are highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Droughts, flooding, and other climate-related catastrophes threaten the livelihoods of these communities, and Moyo stressed the need for practical solutions to protect animal assets. One such solution is the development of index-based animal insurance, a program that helps farmers protect their livestock during catastrophic events by providing financial support for the maintenance of their herds. This innovative approach aims to reduce the vulnerability of pastoralists and ensure that they can continue to thrive despite the increasing frequency of climate shocks.
The ultimate goal of ILRI’s new strategy is to positively impact the lives of over 300 million people worldwide. By addressing pressing issues such as poverty, food security, and climate change, the institute hopes to drive significant improvements in the lives of some of the most vulnerable populations. Through its research and innovative solutions, ILRI is committed to creating a more sustainable and resilient future for both people and the planet.
Founded in 1994, ILRI is a not-for-profit organization established through agreements signed by the governments of Kenya, Ethiopia, Denmark, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Nations Environment Programme. Over the years, the institute has become a global leader in livestock research, with a particular focus on restoring rangelands, enhancing climate resilience in livestock systems, and integrating crop-livestock systems to improve food security. Its work is grounded in the “One Health” approach, which recognizes the interconnected health of people, animals, and ecosystems.
Through its continued efforts, ILRI remains committed to advancing research that addresses the complex challenges of food security and environmental sustainability. By collaborating with stakeholders at all levels, the institute is poised to make a lasting impact on the future of livestock systems, ensuring that they contribute to the health and well-being of millions of people around the world.
