ILRI joins multi-million initiative leveraging genetics to slash livestock methane emissions

KENYA – The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) has announced today, 9th April 2025,  that it has joined a US$27.4 million international program to reduce methane emissions from livestock.

The initiative, backed by the Bezos Earth Fund and the Global Methane Hub, uses natural breeding techniques to identify and scale climate-efficient animals without compromising productivity. 

The initiative spans North America, South America, Europe, Africa, and Oceania, bringing together scientists and breeders to harness naturally occurring differences in how animals digest food.

“This initiative is a cornerstone of a broader global push to accelerate public-good research on enteric methane,” said Hayden Montgomery, Agriculture Program Director at the Global Methane Hub. 

“Together with the Bezos Earth Fund… we’re building an open, coordinated foundation that spans countries, breeds, and species—delivering practical solutions that reduce emissions and support farmers worldwide.”

ILRI will lead the Global Methane Genetics Initiative in Africa and contribute to the Low Methane Forage project, tackling emissions through genetic selection and improved animal diets. 

The two-pronged strategy is designed to offer scalable, science-based solutions for smallholder and pastoral systems, particularly in the Global South.

“This initiative marks a turning point for climate-smart livestock development in Africa,” said ILRI Director General Appolinaire Djikeng. “By harnessing the power of genetics and data, we are equipping farmers with the tools to breed more productive, resilient, and lower-emission animals.”

The program will screen more than 100,000 animals and collect data on methane emissions, integrating results into breeding programs globally. 

Because many herds already have low-methane traits, farmers won’t need to overhaul feeding practices or infrastructure, making adoption simple and cost-effective.

Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, with more than 80 times the warming power of carbon dioxide over a 20-year period. 

Cattle are the largest source of livestock-related methane, but studies show that even within the same herd, some animals naturally emit 30% less methane than others.

“Reducing methane from cattle is one of the most elegant solutions we have to slow climate change,” said Dr. Andy Jarvis, Director of the Future of Food at the Bezos Earth Fund. 

“We’re backing an effort that uses age-old selection practices to identify and promote naturally low-emitting cattle, locking in climate benefits for generations to come.”

Over time, the initiative could reduce methane emissions from cattle by 1% to 2% annually, reaching a cumulative reduction of 30% over 20 years.

As part of a global climate strategy, it offers a path to more sustainable livestock production without sacrificing food security or farmer livelihoods.

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