ILRI unveils livestock, climate solutions hub at COP29

GLOBAL – A groundbreaking initiative to tackle the intersection of livestock production and climate change took centre stage at the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference, more commonly known as COP29, being held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from 11 to 22 November 2024. 

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) launched the Livestock and Climate Solutions Hub, a global effort to deliver practical and transformative solutions for sustainable livestock systems, particularly in the Global South. 

The announcement, made at the CGIAR and FAO Agriculture and Food Pavilion, reflects the growing urgency of balancing the demand for animal protein with environmental sustainability. 

The Hub aims to integrate expertise in animal health, genetics, nutrition, environmental science, and policy to develop inclusive and actionable solutions.  

Speaking at the launch, ILRI Director General Appolinaire Djikeng underscored the Hub’s mission:  

“The Livestock and Climate Solutions Hub will bridge research and practical solutions, ensuring these innovations reach the people who need them most, driving resilient, low-emission livestock systems with long-term impact.

There is currently no entity focused on adapting or developing emerging solutions to fit the diverse range of small-scale livestock systems common to the Global South.”  

The Hub will focus on tools like genetics and genomics to breed more resilient and sustainable livestock and work with governments and farmers to implement policies that reduce emissions while boosting productivity.  

During the side event titled “Investing in the Future of Sustainable Livestock Systems,” stakeholders from Africa and beyond shared their insights on the Hub’s potential and challenges.  

Mary Ndila Mbole-Kariuki of the African Union’s Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) emphasised the need for inclusivity:  

 “Leave no one behind. It is critical the Hub aligns with existing African Union strategies… I see a three-legged stool—the researchers, African policymakers, and African livestock keepers. Let’s keep the stool stable to move forward action.”  

Kenya’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development representative, Bernard Kimoro, highlighted the country’s struggles with a 60-million-ton feed deficit. 

He noted the Hub’s role in addressing these technical challenges while monitoring commitments like reducing methane emissions.  

Kenya’s experience with ILRI’s Mazingira Centre exemplifies the potential of science-driven solutions. 

The Centre’s work helped the country transition to Tier 2 in the National Greenhouse Gas Inventory, enabling more precise livestock emission targets under its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).  

Beyond research, participants called for the Hub to connect its innovations with tangible, scalable practices. 

Biola Kazeem Badmos of the Islamic Development Bank urged alignment with ILRI’s Livestock Master Plans, noting that these frameworks could help countries secure funding and implement effective policies.  

A recurring theme was the importance of the private sector and extension services in scaling the Hub’s innovations, ensuring they reach farmers who need them most.  

The Livestock and Climate Solutions Hub promises to redefine sustainable livestock production, addressing climate goals and the livelihoods of millions dependent on livestock. 

As it embarks on this journey, the collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and farmers will be critical to turning bold ideas into impactful actions.  

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