NAIROBI, Kenya – The first African scientist to lead the Nairobi-based International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) has been recognised by the World Food Prize Foundation as one of the world’s leading agrifood changemakers.
Cameroon-born Prof. Appolinaire Djikeng, who assumed the post of Director General at ILRI in April 2023, was one of 38 to feature on the World Food Prize Foundation’s inaugural Top Agri-food Pioneers (TAP) list.
Prof. Djikeng is a globally recognised expert in livestock health and development, particularly in the genetic improvement of African livestock.
What are Prof. Appolinaire Djikeng’s achievements
He co-founded the African Animal Breeding Network (AABNET) and the African Biogenome Project (AfricaBP), a community of scientists, related professionals, policymakers, and stakeholders who aim to harness genomics to characterise, conserve, and sustain biodiversity in Africa.
In his current role as ILRI Director General, Prof. Djikeng oversees the development of a new 2030 strategy to advance scalable solutions for sustainable livestock systems across the Global South.
He joins pioneers from 20 countries across six continents working in agrifood systems, from crop farming to livestock, agtech, nutrition, and advocacy.
“I’m truly humbled to be recognised by the prestigious World Food Prize Foundation as one of their inaugural Top Agri-food Pioneers,” said Prof. Djikeng.
“The potential for innovation to transform Africa’s livestock systems is enormous, and I’m proud to be at the helm of ILRI as a scientific centre of excellence for a critical decade for the future of our planet.”
Where do the 2024 TAP awardees come from
Y News understands that this year’s TAP awardees come from 20 countries on six continents, represent a range of ages and work in varied fields, from farming to animal and crop science, agtech, nutrition, education, advocacy and more.
“As the world contends with growing challenges to food systems, innovators are critical to ensuring food security, sustainability and livelihoods. We are thrilled to highlight these 38 diverse pioneers and their work,” said Ambassador Terry Branstad, President of the World Food Prize Foundation.
In his own words, Ambassador Terry went on:
“We hope this inaugural TAP class serves as the foundation for a growing network of trailblazers in food systems.”
Meanwhile, the TAP list is expected to be announced and expanded annually, and this year’s pioneers will be featured at the 2024 Borlaug Dialogue in Des Moines, Iowa, from October 29 to October 31.
