KENYA – The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, is among several institutions participating in a new global initiative aimed at reducing methane emissions from cattle using genetic and forage-based approaches.
The US$27.4 million project, backed by the Bezos Earth Fund and the Global Methane Hub, spans five continents and focuses on scalable, data-driven solutions to enteric methane emissions.
Methane, primarily released by ruminants through digestion, is a potent greenhouse gas with more than 80 times the warming power of carbon dioxide over a 20-year period. Enteric fermentation in livestock is one of the largest contributors to agricultural methane worldwide.
Breeding for climate efficiency
Research has shown that cattle within the same herd can emit significantly different levels of methane—some up to 30% less. The Global Methane Genetics Initiative will screen over 100,000 animals to identify and breed those with naturally lower emissions.
This approach aims for annual methane reductions of 1–2%, building toward a 30% decrease over two decades—all without altering animal diets, investing in new infrastructure, or sacrificing productivity.
ILRI’s role: Genetics meets tropical forage
ILRI is contributing to two key pillars of the initiative. Under the Global Methane Genetics Initiative, the institute is helping identify heritable low-emission traits in cattle, especially within African production systems.
In parallel, the Low Methane Forage project explores tropical forage species that naturally reduce methane during digestion. These forages are designed to integrate seamlessly into smallholder and pastoral systems—offering an accessible, cost-effective mitigation strategy.
ILRI’s methane measurement infrastructure, including respiration chambers and portable gas analysis equipment in Nairobi, allows researchers to collect emissions data in real-world conditions.
Anchored in African priorities
“By harnessing the power of genetics and data, we are equipping farmers with the tools to breed more productive, resilient, and lower-emission animals,” said ILRI Director General Appolinaire Djikeng.
ILRI is working closely with research institutions across Africa, including South Africa’s Agricultural Research Council, CIRAD in Burkina Faso, and Université d’Abomey-Calavi in Benin, to tailor solutions to local contexts and ensure that methane mitigation aligns with broader development goals.
Backed by climate-focused philanthropy
This initiative is part of the Enteric Fermentation R&D Accelerator, a joint effort between the Global Methane Hub and the Bezos Earth Fund to support public-good research into livestock methane solutions.
“Together with the Bezos Earth Fund, we’re building a coordinated foundation that spans countries, breeds, and species—delivering practical solutions that reduce emissions and support farmers worldwide,” said Hayden Montgomery, Agriculture Program Director at the Global Methane Hub.
Scientific collaboration across borders
Wageningen University & Research (WUR) in the Netherlands is leading the genetics work in Europe.
“This work brings together the best of science, industry, and the global breeding community to accelerate genetic improvement for methane efficiency worldwide,” said Prof. Roel Veerkamp of WUR.
Dr. Andy Jarvis, Director of the Future of Food at the Bezos Earth Fund, highlighted the initiative’s long-term benefits.
“This effort uses age-old selection practices to promote naturally low-emitting cattle—locking in climate benefits for generations.”
Africa’s voice in a global climate agenda
With livestock integral to food security and livelihoods in much of sub-Saharan Africa, ILRI’s involvement ensures that climate-smart breeding solutions are not only effective but also equitable.
This initiative complements similar efforts globally—in countries like New Zealand, Australia, and the Netherlands—where feed additives, methane vaccines, and targeted breeding are being explored.
By grounding the research in real-world systems and strengthening international cooperation, the project seeks to build a future where livestock production and environmental sustainability go hand in hand.
