My first 100 days as ILRI's director general

Dear Readers,

It has been almost 100 days since I joined the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), and during this time, I continue to be inspired by our organization's mission to improve lives through livestock as well as our teams who work tirelessly towards that goal. 

There are three important points I would like to highlight.

First and foremost, partnerships are the cornerstone of our work. The recent Africa partnership meeting at the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) highlighted the significance of collaborative efforts in achieving our goals. By joining forces with like-minded organizations and stakeholders, we can amplify our impact and create meaningful change in the livestock sector. We have also engaged a range of partners in Africa and globally with whom our plans are advancing and will lead to establishing strategic science partnerships and alliances. 

Second, we recognize that livestock is an integral part of a larger system and plays a crucial role in water, land and food systems transformation. Understanding the interconnectedness of these elements is essential as we strive for sustainable development. By addressing the challenges and opportunities within the livestock sector, we can contribute to broader environmental and societal goals.

Lastly, the critical role of science within development cannot be overstated. Science forms the foundation of our work at ILRI and in the CGIAR, and it is through scientific research and evidence-based solutions that we can drive positive change. By leveraging scientific knowledge, we can inform policies, guide interventions, and make a lasting impact on the livelihoods of millions.

To continue building upon ILRI's success, we are now embarking on the process of a new strategy for the period of 2024-2030. Our previous strategy has shifted our focus towards vital areas such as sustainable livestock systems, the nexus between humans and animals, improved value chains, and addressing environmental challenges and climate change. Through collaborations, research, and capacity-building efforts, ILRI has played a significant role in enhancing livestock productivity, ensuring food security, and reducing poverty in low- and middle-income countries.

Our strategy for 2024-2030 will revolve around taking on these challenges and turning them into opportunities for sustainable development. We are about to embark on an extensive consultation process, and we are committed to keeping you informed every step of the way. Your contribution and ideas are invaluable in shaping our future direction, and we encourage you to actively participate in this process. Our strategy process should also challenge us to identify the top 10 innovations that we aim to deliver by 2030. 

You can read about our strategy update and how you can get involved in this latest news post. Together, we can make a real difference in transforming the livestock sector and achieving our vision of sustainable development.

Thank you for your dedication and support. Let us continue our journey towards a better future.

Sincerely,

Appolinaire