The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) has announced its participation in a $27.4 million global initiative aimed at reducing methane emissions from livestock.
Funded by the Bezos Earth Fund and the Global Methane Hub, the effort focuses on leveraging natural variation in animal digestion to develop climate-efficient livestock.
The initiative spans research and breeding programs across North America, South America, Europe, Africa, and Oceania.
Hayden Montgomery, Agriculture Program Director at the Global Methane Hub, emphasized the initiative’s significance, stating that the effort is a cornerstone of a broader global push to accelerate public-good research on enteric methane.
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 is leading the Global Methane Genetics Initiative and contributing to the Low Methane Forage project, tackling methane emissions through both genetic and nutritional strategies.
The genetics initiative focuses on selecting low-emitting cattle in African production systems, while the forage project identifies high-yielding, methane-reducing tropical forages for smallholder systems. These efforts highlight ILRI’s commitment to inclusive, science-based solutions tailored to livestock keepers in Africa and beyond.
The initiative will screen over 100,000 animals, collect methane emissions data, and integrate findings into breeding programs to deliver long-term, low-cost climate benefits.
Methane is a potent greenhouse gas—over 80 times more powerful than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period—and cattle are the largest contributors to livestock-related emissions.
However, natural variation among animals offers a promising solution; some cattle emit up to 30% less methane than others, making selective breeding a viable strategy for reducing emissions without compromising productivity.
ILRI’s Director General, Appolinaire Djikeng, noted that the initiative marks a turning point for climate-smart livestock development in Africa.
“Using genetics and data, we’re equipping farmers with tools to breed more productive, resilient, and lower-emission animals. It’s a bold step toward aligning Africa’s livestock systems with global climate goals while enhancing livelihoods and food security.”
Dr. Andy Jarvis, Director of the Future of Food at the Bezos Earth Fund, added, “Reducing methane from cattle is one of the most elegant solutions we have to slow climate change. This effort uses age-old selection practices to identify and promote naturally low-emitting cattle, locking in climate benefits for generations to come.”
The approach is farmer-friendly, requiring no changes to feeding practices or infrastructure, making it easy for livestock keepers to participate in climate solutions without disrupting operations.
“This work brings together the best of science, industry, and the global breeding community to accelerate genetic improvement for methane efficiency worldwide.” Prof. Roel Veerkamp of Wageningen University & Research said.
Over the next two decades, this initiative could reduce methane emissions from cattle by 30%, offering a scalable and sustainable solution to one of agriculture’s most pressing environmental challenges.
