Developing climate-smart livestock solutions for Africa

In a Q&A article by Gilbert Nakweya in Nature Africa (Sept 2025), Appolinaire Djikeng, director general of the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) and CGIAR senior director for livestock-based systems, shares his insights on how biosciences can boost food security in Africa.

Below is an excerpt of the article.

Professor Appolinaire Djikeng is a molecular biologist, based in Kenya, who believes passionately in harnessing sustainable genetic improvements for African livestock.

Originally from Cameroon, Djikeng is director of the Nairobi-based International Livestock Research Institute and senior director for the livestock systems of CGIAR.

With more than 20 years of research, management and institutional development experience in academia and international research institutions in Africa, Europe, and USA, his work and interests have been primarily on biosciences, genomics, and related disciplines.

Previously, he was director of the Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health, and professor of tropical agriculture and sustainable development at Scotland’s University of Edinburgh.

Djikeng co-founded the African Animal Breeding Network with the aim of driving the development and dissemination of sustainable genetic improvement solutions in Africa.

He also co-founded the African Biogenome project – a community of practice of scientists and related professionals, policymakers, and stakeholders with the aim of harnessing the power of genomics for the characterization, conservation, and sustainable use of biodiversity in Africa.

Photo: Cattle in Afar, Ethiopia (ILRI/Fiona Flintan)

Curated by Tezira Lore, Communication Officer, ILRI