The Board of Trustees of the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) and the CGIAR have just appointed Professor Appolinaire Djikeng as Director General of ILRI and Senior Director of Livestock Systems at the CGIAR.
The first African to head the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Professor Appolinaire Djikeng is an expert known worldwide for having piloted multidisciplinary, multi-institutional research and development programs focused on agricultural development, animal husbandry and human health. He will take over as ILRI’s Chief Executive from April 2023, succeeding Dr Shirley Tarawali, the current Acting Chief Executive, who in turn replaced Dr Jimmy Smith, who retired in December 2022 after 11 years of outstanding leadership.
“I am deeply committed to the mission of ILRI and the CGIAR”said Professor Djikeng, on the sidelines of his appointment. “The development of breeding is personally very close to me. It is therefore a tremendous honor and privilege to lead the world’s leading livestock development organization, focused on improving outcomes for farmers, solving problems related to our environment, the use sustainable use of natural resources, and providing solutions to our increasingly vulnerable food systems”, he continues.
His international experience is remarkable. He not only held the position of Professor and Chair of Tropical Agriculture and Sustainable Development at the University of Edinburgh, but also that of Director of the Center for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health (CTLGH). He will retain an honorary position at the Roslin Institute, further strengthening the partnership between ILRI and the University of Edinburgh.
Within ILRI, he cumulates several years of experience holding positions at different levels, ranging from head of technology to director of the Biosciences platform for Central and Eastern Africa (BecA)-ILRI. Internationally, he has received numerous distinctions, including the Nelson Mandela Peace Prize 2020 from UNESCO; or the recognition by the “Decade of Health as one of 10 people in the UK” who work to give another face to health.
Following this unprecedented appointment, Dr Elsa Murano, Chair of the ILRI Board of Trustees, suggested that: “Professor Djikeng’s research has been at the forefront of efforts to improve livestock systems and animal productivity in low- and middle-income countries”. To Dr. Elsa Murano to continue with enthusiasm “We are delighted to welcome a top scientist and leader of the caliber of Professor Djikeng, whose exemplary leadership skills and scientific expertise will drive the continued success of our Institution. »
For Dr. Claudia Sadoff, Director General of the CGIAR, “The transformation of food, land and water systems cannot happen without a sustainable transformation of the livestock sector. Livestock systems play a central role in the CGIAR research agenda and Prof. Djikeng’s work in strategic innovation, impact and cross-cutting research positions him well to champion livestock across the CGIAR. »
In his new role, Prof. Djikeng will work to build on ILRI’s achievements, developing sustainable livestock systems that help feed and support millions of people in low- and middle-income countries. He will provide leadership and coordination of livestock systems activities across the CGIAR while integrating the senior management team.