ILRI and CIMMYT sign strategic Memorandum of Understanding to accelerate impact in crop-livestock systems
29 January 2026, Africa: The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) and International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) have signed a new memorandum of understanding, building on a strong track record of successfully delivering projects jointly, strengthening, and expanding their partnership to accelerate impact and jointly tackle some of the most complex challenges in global food systems, and support countries to achieve their food security objectives.
ILRI and CIMMYT are part of the CGIAR research system working to build a food secure world through food systems transformation. Both centers bring more than 50 years of experience working to improve food security, livelihoods, and resilience to the world’s smallholder farmers.
Mixed crop-livestock systems
Mixed crop–livestock systems underpin the livelihoods of the majority of smallholder farmers in Africa and Latin America, providing multiple benefits including food, income, manure for fertilizer, and resilience to shocks.
ILRI and CIMMYT have worked together, particularly in Sudan and Zimbabwe, on projects that seek to improve mixed cropping systems through better technologies, drought-tolerant fodder species, and enhanced market access.
Building on this strong history of partnership, this agreement formalizes a strategic commitment to deepen research collaboration across crop and livestock systems.
It also recognizes the strong partnerships that each has nurtured, which will help to ensure greater impact.
Signed by ILRI director general Appolinaire Djikeng and CIMMYT director general Bram Govaerts, the memorandum of understanding harnesses the complementary strengths of both institutions to deliver greater value for smallholder farmers, investors, and national partners.
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