International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) is a CGIAR research centre dedicated to improving livelihoods, food security, and environmental sustainability through livestock research in developing countries. Established in 1994 through the merger of ILRAD (International Laboratory for Research on Animal Diseases) and ILCA (International Livestock Center for Africa), ILRI is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, with 14 offices across Asia and Africa and a staff of approximately 700 professionals.

ILRI’s mission is to improve the lives of people in low- and middle-income countries through equitable, resilient, and sustainable livestock systems, delivering transformative food systems with climate and environmental benefits. Its research focuses on enhancing livestock productivity, health, and nutrition while promoting sustainable rangeland and mixed crop-livestock management practices. ILRI works closely with smallholder farmers, national research institutes, civil society, academia, and the private sector to ensure its innovations are practical, scalable, and locally adapted.

Key research areas include animal disease control, feed and forage improvement, genetics and breeding, climate-smart livestock systems, and livestock value chain development. ILRI also champions gender equality, social inclusion, and ethical research practices, ensuring benefits reach marginalized groups and women farmers.

Through partnerships and evidence-based interventions, ILRI enhances productivity, resilience, and profitability in livestock systems while safeguarding ecosystems. Its contributions to policy, capacity building, and innovation in Africa and Asia have positioned ILRI as a leading institution shaping sustainable livestock development globally.

ILRI’s work supports CGIAR’s vision of sustainable and resilient food, land, and water systems, contributing to better lives, a better planet, and inclusive economic growth for millions of smallholder farmers.