Inside Kenya’s climate fight: Mazingira Centre leads research to cut greenhouse gases in African agriculture

By Christine Ochogo

As climate change intensifies pressure on food systems worldwide, a leading research facility in Kenya is producing critical evidence to help Africa reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture, one of the continent’s most vital economic sectors.

The Mazingira Centre, based at the Nairobi campus of the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), is working with scientists, policymakers, and farmers to better understand and reduce the environmental footprint of livestock systems across Africa. The centre’s work was showcased during the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) Congress 2025.

Image: Christine Ochogo

Mazingira is Africa’s first facility dedicated to context-specific greenhouse gas research, generating data that directly informs climate policy and sustainable agriculture strategies tailored to African realities.

Why the research matters

Agriculture, particularly livestock production is a major source of greenhouse gases such as methane and nitrous oxide, which significantly contribute to global warming. Yet for years, African countries have relied on emission estimates derived from industrialised regions, often failing to reflect local farming systems.

Sonja Leitner, Scientist at ILRI, says the lack of Africa-specific data has limited effective climate planning. “Without Africa-specific emission data, our policy decisions and mitigation planning are based on models that may not reflect the realities of our livestock systems,” Leitner said during a visit to the centre’s laboratories. “By generating accurate greenhouse gas emission factors here, we are equipping countries to measure, report, and verify emissions with confidence.”

From the laboratory to the farm

Researchers at the Mazingira Centre use advanced tools including gas chromatography and field-based measurement methods to quantify emissions from livestock under real farming conditions. These techniques allow scientists to link emission levels to specific animal types, feeding practices, and production systems.

Sonja Leitner, Scientist ILRI (Image: Christine Ochogo)

Leitner notes that data collection is only the beginning. “Once we understand where emissions come from and how much is produced under different conditions, we can design mitigation strategies that support farmers while protecting the climate,” she explained. “The goal is to improve productivity without increasing environmental harm.”

Regional Impact Beyond Kenya

Although based in Nairobi, the centre’s influence extends across sub-Saharan Africa. Through partnerships with regional institutions and researchers, Mazingira is strengthening capacity for monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV), a key requirement for countries meeting their international climate commitments.

Experts say the data generated at the centre is shaping climate-smart agricultural policies, helping governments pursue food security while limiting emissions growth in livestock systems that support millions of rural livelihoods.

Building Africa’s Climate Expertise

Beyond research, the Mazingira Centre serves as a training hub, equipping scientists, technicians, and government officials from across the continent with practical skills in greenhouse gas measurement and analysis.

A visiting government official from East Africa who participated in an ILRI-organised training described the experience as transformative.

“This exposure has equipped us with the technical know-how to interpret emission data and apply it directly in national climate mitigation plans,” the official said, noting Kenya’s growing leadership in livestock emissions research.

Image: Christine Ochogo

Looking Ahead

With climate change now central to global policy debates, the Mazingira Centre’s work is gaining urgency. Recent international livestock and climate conferences hosted in Nairobi highlight Africa’s increasing role in shaping solutions that balance environmental sustainability and agricultural productivity.

As Leitner summed it up: “Africa deserves evidence-based solutions that reflect our systems and our challenges. Mazingira is helping build that foundation.”