New director general of ILRI
The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) Board of Trustees and CGIAR have appointed Professor Appolinaire Djikeng as director general of ILRI and CGIAR senior director of livestock-based systems.
Professor Djikeng is a globally-recognized expert in developing multi-disciplinary, multi-institutional, and global research and development programs focused on agricultural development, livestock development, and human health, according to the two organizations.
He will take over the role from Dr Shirley Tarawali.
Professor Djikeng said: "Livestock development is very close to me personally and it is a huge honor and privilege to take the helm of the world’s leading livestock research and development organisation, focused on improving outcomes for farmers, addressing challenges related to our environment and the sustainable use of natural resources, and delivering solutions to our increasingly vulnerable food systems.”
Professor Djikeng joins ILRI and CGIAR from the University of Edinburgh, where he is currently Professor and chair of tropical agriculture and sustainable development, as well as the director of the Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health (CTLGH), which is based at the Roslin Institute.
He will retain his affiliation with the Roslin Institute of the University of Edinburgh, with the idea of strengthening the partnership with ILRI and the CGIAR system.
Dr Elsa Murano, chair of ILRI’s Board of Trustees, commented on the appointment: “Livestock is the fastest growing sector in agriculture, and it is essential that its growth is sustainable and equitable. Professor Djikeng’s research has been at the forefront of efforts to improve livestock systems and animal productivity for low- and middle-income countries."
