NAIROBI, Kenya – A three-year, Sh432 million ($3.35 million) program has been launched by the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), with assistance from the Global Methane Hub and the Bezos Earth Fund.
As part of the Global Methane Genetics Initiative, the research will assist African nations in breeding cattle that emit less methane (CH₄) by using state-of-the-art science.
Through the enhancement of native livestock, the project seeks to lower emissions while enhancing food security, productivity, and climate resilience for millions of smallholder farmers throughout the continent.
“Reducing methane from cattle is one of the most elegant solutions we have to slow climate change,” said Andy Jarvis, Director of the Future of Food at the Bezos Earth Fund.
Thanks to collaboration with the Global Methane Hub, Andy said they are 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.
Livestock in Africa account for 18% of global livestock methane emissions, with cattle alone responsible for 70% of emissions in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Without intervention, these emissions could triple by 2050. By tapping into the genetic diversity of indigenous breeds and applying cutting-edge science, the initiative will help Africa contribute to global climate goals, including the 1.5°C warming target.
“This initiative represents an important step towards a more sustainable and productive livestock sector in Africa,’ said Raphael Mrode, Principal Investigator at ILRI, who will oversee scientific management of the project.
Raphael further said: “By integrating advanced genetics with Africa’s indigenous breeds and farmer knowledge, we can achieve meaningful reductions in methane emissions while strengthening rural livelihoods through improved productivity.”
The initiative will address the following
– Measuring methane from 3,000 cows and production traits in five African countries using advanced laser detectors and mobile apps, linked to existing data on 9,000 cows.
– Profiling microbial communities in over 1,000 tropical cows, using rumen content to understand links between microbes, productivity, and methane emissions.
– Scientists are using advanced genetic tools to breed cows that can better withstand heat, require fewer resources, and produce less greenhouse gas. These climate-smart cattle are being introduced into national breeding programs across Kenya, Ethiopia, South Africa, Burkina Faso, and Benin—helping farmers adapt to climate change while reducing emissions.
– Build local capacity by recruiting and training technicians, strengthening national breeding centers, and publishing bull and cow rankings accessible to farmers.
Regional Collaboration
ILRI will coordinate the Africa-wide effort from Nairobi, Kenya and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, working with leading partners including the Agricultural Research Council (South Africa), French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD) and The International Centre for Research and Development of Livestock in the subhumid zone (CIRDES, Burkina Faso), and Université d’Abomey-Calavi (Benin). Partnerships with organisations such as URUS and GENUS will ensure dissemination through breeding centers and farmer networks.
“This work brings together the best of science, industry, and the global breeding community to accelerate genetic improvement for methane efficiency worldwide,” said Roel Veerkamp, Professor and leader of the initiative at Wageningen University & Research (WUR). “It fits nicely with our mission at WUR to explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life.”
Expected Impact
12% cut in livestock methane over 20 years by an annual 0.6% direct methane reduction at the population level using bulls and cows improved for low methane emission.
Productivity improvement is expected to reduce methane production per kg milk by about 20-25% over 5 years.
Publicly available genomic data to support widespread, low-cost breeding improvements.
Increased access to productive, climate-resilient livestock for smallholders, particularly women and youth.
This initiative marks a major step in aligning livestock research with climate action, offering a pathway to permanent and cost-effective methane mitigation while securing the future of African farming communities.
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