Australia partners with International Livestock Research Institute to upskill researchers from Africa and Asia

Australia has joined forces with the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) to support the training of researchers from developing countries to advance sustainable livestock production.

The partnership arrangement, announced at the TropAg 2025 Conference taking place in Brisbane, Australia on 11-13 November 2025, will focus on building national capacity in Cambodia, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lao PDR, Tanzania, and Vietnam.

All countries have significant livestock sectors that are currently held back by low levels of efficiency and are increasingly vulnerable to climate extremes.

The 1 million Australian dollar partnership, which has selected more than a dozen fellows as part of a competitive selection process, aims to improve livelihoods and food security and reduce poverty among people in developing countries through research for better and more sustainable use of livestock.

The Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research will oversee the partnership for the Australian government, collaborating with ILRI and the Biosciences eastern and central Africa-ILRI Hub to support the establishment of the Africa-Asia Biosciences Challenge Funds fellowship and graduate certificate program.

The program will include fellowships and short visits to address workforce gaps and apply practical knowledge in local research and education institutions for early and mid-career researchers and technical staff as pathway to advanced qualifications.

Photo: Goats in their boma in a livestock-keeping household in Oloitoktok, southern Kenya (credit: ILRI/Eric Fèvre).

Curated by Tezira Lore, Communication Officer, ILRI