Context Matters: Tackling Methane in Livestock Systems for a Sustainable Future

Food Systems for the Future, Environmental Defense Fund and ILRI. 2024. Context Matters: Tackling Methane in Livestock Systems for a Sustainable Future. Nairobi, Kenya: ILRI.

Summary This dialogue held at the COP29 Action on Food Pavillion on November 20, 2024 aimed to generate consensus and build a diverse coalition across the ruminant meat and complementary protein value chains to align on common policy levers and solution sets that deliver for people, planet, and shared prosperity.

Pathways to Action The dialogue highlighted several actionable pathways: • Scaling Up Solutions: Programs should prioritize technology transfer and capacity building for smallholders, ensuring they benefit from innovations like methane-reducing feed additives. • Collaborative Efforts: Cross-sector partnerships between governments, private sector, and international organizations are vital for scaling solutions. • Regulation & Incentives: Policymakers must consider carrot-and-stick approaches to drive change. Incentives, such as subsidies for methane reduction technologies, combined with regulations like emissions caps, can accelerate progress. • Consumer Engagement: Engaging consumers around the benefits of sustainably produced meat and dairy and dispelling media misinformation can create market demand, encouraging farmers to adopt climate-smart practices.