Insights and future directions: Applying the One Health approach in international agricultural research for development to address food systems challenges

For over 15 years, the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) has been striving to understand and address One Health challenges at the intersection of people, livestock, and the environment.

A new article in the journal One Health presents an overview of ILRI’s One Health projects implemented with partners across Africa and Asia, reflecting on key lessons and future directions for One Health research and food systems transformation.

Drawing on a review of peer-reviewed and grey literature, the authors analyzed processes and outcomes of ILRI-led and supported initiatives using a realist evaluation framework (context, mechanisms, outcomes).

The article presents insights within select One Health topic areas such as zoonoses, food safety, and antimicrobial resistance.

The findings emphasize the need for stronger cross-sectoral collaboration, greater engagement with policymakers to translate research findings into actionable strategies, and the development of adaptable and context-specific interventions.

Citation
Hung Nguyen-Viet, Lam, S., Alonso, S., Unger, F., Moodley, A., Bett, B., Fèvre, E., Knight-Jones, T., Mor, S.M., Ha Thi Thanh Nguyen and Grace, D. 2025. Insights and future directions: Applying the One Health approach in international agricultural research for development to address food systems challenges. One Health 20: 101007.

Photo: Locally made beef stew sold in Bagnon market at Yopougon, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire (ILRI/Valentin Bognan Koné)