ILRI Unveils $3.5M Initiative to Cut Methane from African Cattle

Addressing Methane Emissions in African Livestock

Africa's livestock sector plays a significant role in global methane emissions, contributing 18 percent of the total. Within this, cattle alone account for 70 percent of emissions in Sub-Saharan Africa. Methane, a powerful greenhouse gas, has over 80 times the warming potential of carbon dioxide in the first two decades after its release. Despite its shorter atmospheric lifespan compared to carbon dioxide, methane is responsible for nearly a third of current global warming.

This has led to increased focus on reducing methane emissions from cattle in international climate discussions, including at the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26). The emphasis is on finding rapid solutions to slow the pace of climate change, and one of the most effective ways to do this is by targeting methane emissions from cattle.

In response to these challenges, the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) has launched a three-year initiative called Accelerating Reduced Emissions in Indigenous Breeds in Africa. Funded by the Bezos Earth Fund and the Global Methine Hub, this project aims to develop cattle that emit less methane while improving productivity and food security for smallholder farmers across the continent.

Using Science to Improve Livestock

The initiative is part of the Global Methane Genetics Initiative and focuses on breeding cattle that naturally produce less methane. Rather than creating new breeds, the project will work with existing indigenous breeds, leveraging advanced science and traditional knowledge. Raphael Mrode, Principal Investigator at ILRI, explains that the goal is to use cutting-edge techniques to identify and enhance traits that lead to lower emissions.

Scientists warn that without urgent action, methane emissions from cattle could triple by 2050 due to population growth and increasing demand for animal products. This surge would threaten global climate targets, including the 1.5°C warming limit set by the Paris Agreement. Ruminants like cattle are major contributors to methane emissions because of their digestive process, which releases significant amounts of the gas into the atmosphere.

Andy Jarvis, Director of the Future of Food at the Bezos Earth Fund, emphasizes that reducing methane from cattle is one of the most effective strategies to combat climate change. He highlights the importance of using traditional selection methods to identify low-emitting cattle, ensuring long-term climate benefits.

A Sustainable Approach to Livestock Development

According to Mrode, this initiative marks a key step toward a more sustainable and productive livestock sector in Africa. By combining advanced genetics with local breeds and farmer knowledge, the project aims to achieve meaningful reductions in methane emissions while enhancing rural livelihoods through improved productivity.

The initiative involves measuring methane emissions from 3,000 cows across five African countries using advanced laser detectors and mobile applications. These results will be linked to data from 9,000 cows already in the system. Scientists will also analyze microbial communities in over 1,000 tropical cows to understand how microbes affect both productivity and methane emissions.

Appolinaire Djikeng, ILRI Director, states that the project aims to breed climate-smart cattle that can better withstand heat, require fewer resources, and produce less greenhouse gas. These improved animals will be integrated into national breeding programs in Kenya, Ethiopia, South Africa, Burkina Faso, and Benin, helping farmers adapt to climate change while lowering emissions.

Building Local Capacity and Ensuring Long-Term Impact

To ensure sustainability, the initiative will train technicians, strengthen national breeding centers, and publish bull and cow rankings that will be accessible to farmers. This approach not only supports climate goals but also empowers local communities.

The project is expected to deliver substantial climate benefits, including a 12 percent reduction in livestock methane emissions over the next 20 years. This will be achieved through an annual 0.6 percent direct methane reduction at the population level by using bulls and cows improved for low methane emission. Productivity improvements are also projected to cut methane production per kilogram of milk by about 20 to 25 percent within five years.

Beyond emission reductions, the project will generate publicly available genomic data to support widespread and cost-effective breeding improvements. It also aims to expand access to more productive, climate-resilient livestock for smallholder farmers, with a particular focus on empowering women and youth who play a central role in Africa’s agricultural systems.