Drones prove most effective for livestock methane measurement across Africa

KENYA – A new study by the International Livestock Research Institute shows that drones with methane sensors give strong and dependable measurements of greenhouse gases from grazing livestock across Africa.

The researchers say this approach gives results that match the classic inventory methods used by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

The team carried out the tests in early 2024 at ILRI’s Kapiti Research Station near Machakos. They flew a drone over herds of cattle, sheep, goats, and, for the first time in Africa, camels.

The drone carried a mid-infrared gas sensor that recorded methane plumes as the animals grazed or rested.

One of the lead scientists explained the method clearly. “We used a Bayesian inference approach because it lets us combine the drone readings with wind and surface data from our flux tower,” the researcher said.

The team fed these inputs into their model and reached methane estimates that matched the IPCC Tier 2 values for enteric emissions.

The drone method also gave more details on how emissions shift during the day. The researchers saw clear rises in methane release when animals moved to new grazing spots.

They say this pattern shows how animal activity shapes emissions and how drones can record these changes in real time.

The team tested herds of about 100 cattle, 170 sheep, 140 goats and 40 camels. The drone gathered usable data from each group, including the smaller animals that often challenge older measurement methods.

Wider uses take shape

The scientists also tested hyperspectral satellite data to point them toward areas with heavy livestock activity. One of the analysts said this combination holds potential. 

“Satellite signals help us see where animals gather. We can then send the drone to those points and get stronger readings,” the analyst said.

The team believes this approach will help countries plan future surveys with more accuracy and less guesswork.

They see strong interest from governments that want better methane figures for national reports.

Several officials who followed the study say the method can support climate-smart livestock plans and help farmers understand how daily routines affect emissions.

One official noted, “Countries want simple and clear solutions. This drone option gives them a tool they can use on real farms without heavy setup costs.”

Researchers now aim to test the system in more regions and seasons. They also plan to refine the drone sensors so they gather even sharper data.

The team says that stronger readings will help more African countries record livestock emissions with confidence and shape new climate efforts from a solid base.

The latest work also links to ongoing research across East Africa, where teams continue to test digital farm tools and low-cost climate sensors.

These efforts point to a future where farmers, herders, and governments share data that supports both productivity and lower emissions.

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