CGIAR
C E L E B R A T I N G
James Wilson Smith
C E L E B R A T I N G 
James Wilson Smith
A  T R I B U T E  F R O M  C O L L E A G U E S  A N D  F R I E N D S
9  De cemb er,  2 0 2 2


Gentleman Gentleman par excellence! 
My two biggest impressions of Jimmy. He could allow one of his staff to I was part of the team that inducted Jimmy when he arrived at ILRI approximately 
disagree with him (as I did once on whether a paper likely to upset people 11 years ago, which seems like just yesterday!! I must claim some credit for the way 
Man of the world should be published :)), make his own decision clear and the reasons for it, he has turned out as a leader . . . an understanding and supportive colleague, with 
Cattle, goats, sheep, buffaloes, Jimmy has been the most empathetic leader I and yet continue to support the staff member who did not agree with him, and a genuine concern and care for the nationally recruited staff community. Jimmy, 
have had the pleasure to work with. This defines his not hold it against them. Very few leaders can do this. Jimmy is very kind and you are an amazing person and boss and it has been an honour to work with you. 
character and leadership style. I wish Charmaine and understands people well and creates a culture of kindness around him. He is Your contribution to ILRI was immeasurable. You have earned the respect of not 
pigs and poultry are among the him all the best and hope he continues to find meaning a people person. My deepest gratitude and warmest wishes for Jimmy and only colleagues at ILRI but from all those who have interacted with you as you 
in and outside of a career and continues to be a great Charmaine and family. championed the livestock agenda worldwide. As you retire from your active work, I 
most economically important and example to all. Thanks also for all the great golf the last Delia Grace Randolph, ILRI contributing scientist and Natural Resources Institute wish you a happy life full of health, good cheer and adventure. Happy retirement, 
couple of years!!! professor of food safety systems boss! You will be sorely missed. . . .
readily available assets of the poor Michael Victor,  Terry Muindi, ILRI executive assistant
ILRI head of communications  
and knowledge management Gentleman
throughout the developing world Your decision-making skills have always inspired me to 
one day ‘when I grow up’ to be at your level. May the 
Lord bless you and keep you. You are and always will be a 
wonderful leader. You will be missed.
These animals are powerful, Gracious 
Fond Nivea Lucia, ILRI executive assistant to the deputy director 
 memory: Niamey, 2001: We were there general for integrated sciences
if as yet underutilized, instruments meeting on f
c o
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for leveraging the changes we n  
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nd then as
q k
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s h
. a
 Q rd
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esti I have followed Jimmy’s remarkable career for over 30 years since he was 
ons on how we
t  w
o e
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a e
v  a
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 a
im lly
p  
a g
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, appointed the team leader for ILCA’s subhumid zone research programme, 
 q g 
uestions tha
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need to meet all of the world’s y e
s  
 t
p h
u e
s n
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e h
d av
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e based at Ibadan. It is difficult to link the struggling ILCA that he joined with the 
 to see how ou
a r
n  r
 e
im se
p a
a r
c c
t h
.  
N ca
a n
ir  
o h
b a
i v thriving ILRI that is his legacy. However, there is one constant thread, which is 
 c e
a  
feteria, 2019
c :
a  J
fe im
te m
r y
ia  w
 b a
y s
  
c in Jimmy’s abiding conviction and enthusiasm for applying research for the benefit 
17 Sustainable Development Goals h  
a th
n e
c  
e, and so I ask
b e
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f h
o im
r ,
t  
h ‘S
e h
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e  IL
r R of less well-off livestock producers and consumers of livestock products. I look 
pl I
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b w
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 a
s  
a m
id is
, s
 ‘ i
Y n
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s  forward to learning what his present colleagues reveal about his more recent 
’. That is the
T  s
h u
a p
n p
k o
s r
 f t
o  y
r o
 t u
h  
e n
 e
s e
u d
p ! contributions and achievements. But none of them will overshadow my memory 
p  
ort throughout my career! of his graciousness and tongue-in-cheek sense of humour. Lynette and I wish 
Nicoline de Haan, CGIAR GENDER impact platform d Charmaine and Jimmy all the very best in their next endeavors.
irector
Ralph von Kaufmann, former ILCA subhumid zone research programme (Kaduna, Nigeria) 
and ILRI director of external relations
Charming 
Dear Jimmy: Well done! You have worked so 
hard and deserve a little R & R in retirement. 
May you have a long, happy and fulfilling 
retirement.
Simeon Ehui, former ILRI scientist; World Bank 
regional director for sustainable development
Charismatic 
I wish Jimmy (and Charmaine!) a happy, healthy and long retirement. My fond 
Smooth! memory is of Jimmy and Dieter supporting me through some difficult times and 
Always conduct My introduction to Jimmy and Charmaine is telling. I was visiting IITA for an not letting me leave ILRI. In the process we set up our first bilateral BMZ project 
interview and my friend Bob Carsky took me along to his neighbour’s party that in Uganda, BUILD (‘Boosting Uganda’s Investment in Livestock Development’) 
night, hosted by Jimmy and Charmaine. It was a total open house affair with Kristina Roesel, ILRI animal and human health scientist
livestock research  lots of music and lots to drink and eat—and with a gatecrasher like me warmly 
welcomed. Those first impressions of generous and warm hospitality—and being 
the ‘Party Animal Power Couple’—have been repeatedly reinforced over the 
with the end in mind. years! It has been an honour to work with Jimmy over the past decade. I owe him 
a debt of gratitude both for the way he supported my leadership of the CGIAR 
research program on livestock and for the way he tolerated my interventions on 
ILRI’s IMC (institute management committee). He clearly had the longer-term 
vision of leading the CRP Livestock as fair broker to promote collaboration and 
thereby allow us to establish a level of trust that is so important in making such a 
venture successful and empowering me appropriately. During IMC meetings, he 
never missed a chance to read my body language and grimaces to call me out to 
express my concerns—even when the camera was turned off in a Zoom meeting! 
What will stick with me probably most is Jimmy’s balance of strategic institutional 
leadership and his clear personal concern for everyone’s welfare. Wishing you 
both a wonderful retirement!
Tom Randolph, ILRI emeritus fellow
Diplomatic Smooth Diplomatic  
Jimmy ha
Jimmy—thanks for your leadership s strong relationship-bu
is i
 l
c d
o in
n g
s  
i s
I wish Jimmy the very best for his next challenge—I d k
e il
r l
a s,
at ILRI over the years, and particularly t  
e, understanding an
e d
x  
a a
m  g
p o
l o
won’t say retirement because I’m sure he will remain e d
 
for warmly greeting me each time I visit t  
o many. Every time he s
s t
p a
e n
a d
k s
,  
 t
involved with livestock research and development in e o
v  
Nairobi campus. All good wishes for the eryone listens and follo
some capacity! He will be very much missed by ILRI, b w
e s
c  
a k
u ee
se n
 l
h y
e  
next chapter.  has a unique, tactful
p  w
the CGIAR and all the partner organizations that he a a
s y
s  
i o
ng f 
 information. Wishing Jim
i m
Alan Duncan n y
,  h  a
is l
 l
r  t
e h
has interacted with in his role as DG. t e
ir  
e b
m e
e st
n  
t!
ILRI principal livestock scientist
Helen Altshul, ILRI performance and partnerships manager Peter Mativo, ILRI finance manager
Congenial Approachable 
ILRI-Addis is grateful for your 
Staff are I wish you an enjoyable future/ contributions to the nationally 
retirement and that you may continue recruited staff specifically. I 
to influence others and make a positive wish you the best of luck. And 
impact in the lives of people close to you may your new life chapter 
and in the world at large. decorate you with happiness 
ILRI’s most Eva Kathambana, and fulfillment. Stay blessed! 
ILRI legal counsel Wubalem Dejene,  
ILRI program manager assistant
important Good guy 
e after 
Best wishes for lif
ILRI. You made a big 
roving 
asset. contribution to imp onnected
the lives of others. C
ht-Jones, You will be missed!
Theo Knig
st
ILRI principal scienti
Fiona Flintan,
ILRI senior scientist
(said by many, 
acted on daily— Considerate 
Grateful for your courage and great leadership. 
by Jimmy Smith) People centred 
You have created good memories and built great 
Making ILRI a great and enjoyable 
respect. I wish you the very best as you take the 
place to work! Jimmy’s last visit to say 
next challenge of your professional journey. We 
farewell to ILRI and CGIAR staff in 
assure you that your legacy will remain forever.
Tanzania elicited many remarks about 
Blen Damtew,  how ILRI has been lucky to have Jimmy 
ILRI animal and human health project manager as DG. 
Amos Omore,  
ILRI representative in eastern and southern Africa
Calm, friendly, savvy, persuasive—and my (personal secret) aspiration for dressing well! 
I hope you have a lovely quiet retirement—but that you continue to involve yourself in things ILRI  
and CGIAR on your terms!
David Aronson, ILRI media relations team leader Pleasant
 As the livestock value chains manager in the 
livestock component of the Accelerating Value Chains 
Development (AVCD) project, I was fortunate to meet 
Jimmy in Lodwar, Turkana County, in northwestern Kenya, 
Friendly where he and Andrew Mude had flown in to attend the 
last pay-out of the Index-Based Livestock Insurance 
Dear Jimmy Smith, your contributions to ILRI has been incredible and we are sad to see you go. I am sorry project, an occasion presided over by Uhuru Kenyatta, 
to learn that you are leaving. In fact, we are under the same umbrella, One CGIAR. That is a great chance the Kenyan president. Turkana County happened to be 
for us, and I am eager to see your previous outstanding management performance in the new One CGIAR one of the five AVCD project counties. Gazing around the 
system. I wish you all the best of luck on the next stage of your journey. arid, desolate and seemingly challenging environment (with 
ambient temperatures then reaching 42 degrees Celsius), 
Mekuanent Fentahun, ILRI genebank research associate Jimmy asked, ‘George, how have you managed to navigate 
these palpable challenges to successfully implement your 
project, and is there anything I can do to help?’ When an 
ILRI DG asks such a pregnant question, you honestly do 
not know what to say. Of course, I explained how we were 
innovatively implementing the project through the county 
governments and partners, among other issues. 
To the second part of the question, I discussed how 
the AVCD field context was complicated by ILRI’s fund 
advancing policies, thus seriously curtaining the pace 
of project implementation. Having witnessed first-hand 
the challenges, he immediately ordered ILRI finance to 
review the advance ceiling to AVCD to allow faster project 
implementation. This action enabled the project to make 
great implementation strides, exceeding the donor’s 
expectations in record time and allowing USAID to 
consider ILRI for a follow-up phase of the project. Jimmy’s 
spot-on action remains memorable to me and I will forever 
be grateful to him.
George Wamwere-Njoroge,
ILRI livestock value chains manager
Determined 
I wish Jimmy and Charmaine a lon
a g
n ,
d  h
 h e
a a
p lt
p hy
y  
 retirement. Thanks fo
d r
i  
s a
c ll
u  t
s h
s e
io  
ns, Jimmy—we didn’t al
b w
u a
t y
 w s 
e a
 g
h r
a e
d e
  
mutual respect! At le
he chain reaction i a
t s
 w t 
a I 
s h
 o
m p
u e
tu  
T al! Well done on all thos Dedicated
de e
f  
e y
n e
d a
i r
n s
g  
 livestock and their ow
C ne
h r n A fantastic new chapter  
a s
r !
m  A
ain d
e , 
, thank g o with lots of fun.
from a sick planet s for lookin
w ut
h  f
e o
n r
 I  m
 h e
a  
d an unexpected stay in ell,
h  
o th Marion Barrisk
s e
te  I
l L
s R
 e I Disciplined 
n  
 route to Naivasha CGIAR global director of 
tinue to mentor the young ones 
!
to sick animals and humans business operations and Con
Mag ie Gil both a 
g l, finance and economists, who need it (
form  board member and chair of the wish and a truly fond memory).
er ILRI
is clearer than ever I  
n C
d G
e I
p A
e R
n  
dent Science and Partnership Council Christopher Delgado, 
ltant
Capable former ILRI scientist; World Bank consu
I have many fond memories of Jimmy during my time as an ILRI board Diligent 
member. I’ll always remember how proud he was of all the women board 
You have been a great man to work with and it will never be forgotten all your 
Preventing the next Dedicated members and put up a photo of only the women members during one of 
contributions along the way at ILRI. You are a great role model! Enjoy your 
his slide presentations. 
Jimmy, it was great to work together on the retirement.
pandemic will require Chanda Nimbkar, former ILRI board member; 
Consortium Board and later as DG colleagues Nimbkar Agricultural Research Institute animal husbandry division director Biruk Lemma, ILRI deputy finance manager
and now as colleagues in the resilient agrifood 
protecting the health of the systems science group! A long history of change in 
the CGIAR and you made sure that livestock was seen Steadfast
as a cornerstone in our agenda. You developed ILRI into ed  
planet and all who inhabit it a strong international centre. Thanks for that! Thanks Dedicat
herish Determined ILRI has seen new heights of recognition.  
The creativ
 and I wish you and We will always c e freedom to 
also for our friendship and Nynke innov
or, I wish a very happy ILRI after- ate and 
contribute
reat new phase in your life! Surely our having a brilliant ment  to reduce glo
Charmaine a g bal hu
life to you and your family, and nger and 
s
boss and leader. You created better live  of livestock, 
paths will cross again. this h
ilt a please do pull a couple of strings for as been 
good memories and bu because of the exemplary lead
Martin Kropff,  Thanks for all you have done. ership and 
vision of 
great legacy. Thank you! ILRI. Jimmy. ILRI will not be the same
CGIAR managing director   
Lucilla Steinaa, without you. 
of resilient agrifood systems Wishing you the ver
Peter Getugi, ILRI principal scientist y best 
t with good health, prosperity 
ILRI head of internal audi and peace.
Rupsha Banerjee,  
ILRI scientist, institutions and innovations
Team 
player
Best wishes as you move to a 
new environment.
Irenie Chakoma,
ILRI senior research 
associate
COVID-19 has reminded  
us that life is fragile,  Dependable 
Dear Jimmy, So sorry that you are leaving 
that health is precious, Nairobi and heading off into the sunset. 
You have been a loyal supporter, an astute 
leader at ILRI and an excellent golf coach to 
and that healthy diets a stubbornly poor student. I look forward to 
catching up with you in Ottawa’s summers. 
And you are welcome back to Kenya during 
are a human right— your winters. I have benefitted immensely from 
our interactions over the last 22 years at ILRI, 
CIDA and the World Bank. I know I can always 
and the very foundation call on you for sound and sensible advice. See 
you again soon in Limuru for silvo-pastoral 
field studies. Take care my friend.
of global development Bruce Scott, former ILRI director; World 
Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) executive advisor
Encouraging 
Jimmy has been a wonderful mentor to 
me. Under his leadership, I have felt truly 
supported always to seize opportunities and 
grow! I wish him a happy new adventure.
Polly Ericksen,  
ILRI sustainable livestock systems program leader
Respectful Special 
Dear Jimmy, I would like to thank you for 
your support and opportunity granted Dr Jimmy Smith is a special person. Working 
me over the years. You are an exceptional with such a supervisor was just a blessing. 
director general who has the workers interest Words cannot express my appreciation. 
in mind. Thank you for being friendly and His huge contribution will always be 
open-minded. Your support has brightened remembered. May God keep him safe, 
my professional career and your generosity healthy and happy with his wonderful family.
will forever remain in my heart. I really Guenet Desta,  
former ILRI administrative assistant
appreciate you so much for making me a 
better person. May God forever bless you 
and your family.
Immaculate Waithaka, ILRI administrative clerk Generous (with his time, advice, support, listening) 
I have appreciated Jimmy’s generosity of always being willing to talk, to give guidance and advice, but also his willingness to listen to (mostly 
unsolicited) thoughts and suggestions from others. I wish we’d had more time for discussions but I’m sure so do the other 650+ people who 
Partner have worked for him over the years at ILRI. I hope the future for Jimmy and Charmaine will be filled with joy and happiness and be relaxing! 
Jimmy had been already Jane Poole, ILRI senior statistician / research methods specialist
working to integrate different 
centres at the Nairobi and Addis 
campuses. In a way, he was ahead of 
time, and this collaboration was based 
on true partnership, where all parties 
benefited. Excellent lessons to be 
learned.
Oscar Ortiz,
CIP director general ad 
interim
Encouraging 
Jimmy has been a wonderful mentor to 
me. Under his leadership, I have felt truly 
supported always to seize opportunities and 
grow! I wish him a happy new adventure.
Polly Ericksen,  
ILRI sustainable livestock systems program leader
Humility 
May God reward and remember your service to the community and 
people you have supported. May you be well treated and cared for 
as you do to others, as you take time to rest and enjoy the moments 
of reunions with family and friends. Happy retirement, Jimmy.
Gloriana Ndibalema, IITA–ILRI communications assistant
The health of all matter
Humble, caring, loving Selfless
I wish Jimmy all the best in 
I wish him blessings in his life—a very long life.  his next stage in life. Your wisdom, 
But there is no moral He loved this poster of egg curry and placed it at openness and passion for livestock 
his office entryway—very lovely. development will still find some place in 
Beatrice Anyona,  our world. I will always remember you 
equivalence between ILRI people and organizational development officer for creating an all-inclusive community 
and encouraging a more equitable 
workforce.
those who make poor Isaac Maina Manyeki,
ILRI project manager
food choices and those 
Caring
with no food choices Jimmy, I still remember the call I got from you when I was in Delhi, even before you took up the role of DG of ILRI, 
asking me to go to Ethiopia as DG’s Representative in Ethiopia. That was a tough assignment, given the changes 
the CGIAR was going through and the need to build up our presence in the country. However, it got me to know 
the beautiful country of Ethiopia and its beautiful people, and I now have many friends there. Since my move to 
Kenya (another beautiful country with beautiful people), we have continued to work together in the most effective 
leadership team I have been in. I have been fortunate in my career to have some wonderful bosses, but I have 
learned more about leadership from you than anyone else—for which I am extremely grateful. I wish Charmaine 
and you the very best wishes in retirement, but I have the feeling it will not be long before we meet again.
Iain Wright, ILRI deputy director general for integrated sciences
Compassionate Humble, caring, hardworking
Restful retirement and good health.
Jimmy’s empathetic and compassionate leadership style is depicted by his open 
Michel Dione, ILRI senior scientist
communication on all matters that eventually increases trust among staff and 
management. Jimmy also communicates very well (I enjoyed listening to you—by 
the way, your oratory skills are on point! My way of saying you are eloquent 😊). 
Still, in the townhalls with staff, he also bares it all (‘kama ni mbaya ni mbaya’, 
Swahili for ‘if it is bad, it is bad’). In the long run, he has inculcated in staff a 
strong sense of association, ownership of the work and mission of ILRI, and a Humble
strong sense of belonging to ILRI and the larger CGIAR family. Godspeed to You are a great leader and it’s 
you, Jimmy! I will miss your leadership style! had to see you go. I wish you and 
your family all the best.
Eunice Machuka, ILRI research officer
Catherine Thiong’o,
ILRI administrative associate
Compelling Dynamic 
Jimmy, what can I say! We have known each other through ILCA, World Bank 
I wish Jimmy (and Charmaine!) a happy, healthy and long retirement. My 
and ILRI, and thrived on working with each other. When you came to ILRI, you 
fond memory is of Jimmy and Dieter supporting me through some difficult 
commissioned me to review the biosciences group, prepare the business plan for 
times and not letting me leave ILRI. In the process we set up our first 
BecA, and then in 2018 (11 years after leaving ILRI), invited me to draft ‘The future 
bilateral BMZ project in Uganda, BUILD (‘Boosting Uganda’s Investment 
of research at ILRI’. You and Charmaine attended my 70th in the Mara, where you 
in Livestock Development’) 
honoured me with a warm and entertaining speech. Jimmy, we will all miss your 
leadership, your diplomacy and your understanding. I hope to have one more shot Habibar Rahman, ILRI regional representative for South Asia
at a ‘Hard Talk’ interview before you disappear.
Brian Perry, ILRI science leader; professor at the universities of Oxford and Edinburgh
Livestock are  Dear Charmaine and Jimmy,
we vividly remember the days back in 2011 when 
more than you arrived in Nairobi. During the handing-over of 
responsibilities, we shared experiences and insights in 
a frank and open manner. It is hard to believe that 11 years 
just emisions have passed since then and now you are the ones moving on. During your 
tenure, ILRI has grown substantially and the research agenda has evolved 
significantly. You ably managed the transition to the new One CGIAR and Eloqu Eloquent
the positioning of livestock within the future research agenda. You can ent 
Thanks, Jimm
be very proud of what ILRI achieved during the last decade under your y, for everything and the Jimmy transformed ILRI into an 
changes you m
leadership. During the few times we visited Kenya and ILRI after 2011 we ade to ILRI. It has been a equitable organization in all aspects 
pleasure worki
enjoyed your great hospitality. You made us feel welcome and allowed us ng with you and of course and made ILRI just the place to 
Charmaine des
to reconnect with many friends from the ILRI family and campus. We are erves much of the credit, work in!
too. Asante an
very grateful to you and to ILRI staff more widely for these very special d best wishes to you both for 
the f Bernard Lukuyu,
uture, wha
moments. We now wish you all the best for the next stage in your lives, tever that might be. ILRI senior scientist and country 
representative in Uganda
wherever it takes you. Please remember that you have friends in Bonn. We Vish Nene, ILRI co-leader of the animal and 
hum
would be delighted to welcome you at our place and to introduce you to an health program
the beautiful Rhine area. 
Carlos Seré, former ILRI DG, and Chrysille Seré
Exemplary leader
Productive, engaging and enjoyable board 
meetings—the spirit of ILRI. Leader 
Lindsay Falvey, former ILRI board member and chair
Dr Jimmy has done a great 
job at ILRI and nature has 
its special way of rewarding 
selfless leaders like him. 
May he enjoy his post-ILRI 
adventures to the fullest.
Solomon Muasa, 
ILRI people and culture manager
It can feel almost heretical to remind people 
in rich countries that in most of the developing Great boss 
Jimmy, a nice boss is hard to find; finding a great boss is even harder, and I am 
world livestock remain central to the lives and privileged to find both in you. Yet you are more of a leader than a boss and you 
have treated me like a friend. I will never forget that you believed in me. Since Amazing leader 
you are bidding farewell to us, please know that your legacy will forever remain It has been a great pleasure working at ILRI under Jimmy’s leadership. ILRI has 
livelihoods of more than one billion people deep in my heart. Even though you’re leaving ILRI, I will forever keep you and grown tremendously over the last decade thanks to your excellent captainship. I 
your family in my heart. People will come and go but no one can take your place, admire the way you lead the institution, the way you care about its staff. It was a 
Jimmy. Saying farewell to you is very difficult. If we could, we would never let privilege to welcome you to Vietnam a couple of times during your tenure at ILRI. 
living on less than US$2 a day you go! There have been many challenges, and I wouldn’t have gotten through Recently I enjoyed our conversation and am thankful for your open sharing and 
them without your guidance. I am trying not to focus on the loss I am feeling support. We will miss you incredibly, but I hope we will see you again soon. All the 
because you are leaving, but rather the gift you are going to be for the others best to you and Charmaine.
you’ll influence with your knowledge. Thank you for being a great leader, friend Thanh Nguyen, ILRI regional administrative manager
and director and for your guidance and support over the years. Best of luck in 
your future endeavours. Cheers, Jimmy! Charmaine, I appreciate you more as a 
sister as you always had me in mind even in your travels. I will not forget all the 
assistance and guidance you gave me as a friend. And as you leave, kindly note 
that you will always have someone here who will miss you as I hope to still and Great leader! 
Wish you all the best in your future stage of life.
always remain friends. It’s a PROMISE! It feels really awesome to share such a 
strong bond. May God bless you with your entire family forever and ever. Loyce Mbwaya, 
ILRI people and organizational development officer
Eunice Sayianet Kirruti, ILRI protocol and liaison officer
Great leader!
After joining ILRI from another organization, 
Jimmy made me feel welcome and supported. I will 
forever be grateful for his great, exemplary leadership 
that has made such a difference to the institute. He is a 
rare find—a practical leader with a human heart. It is with 
this spirit that we were able to navigate our way through 
the most challenging of times at ILRI. I sincerely wish 
Jimmy and Charmaine all the very best for the future. 
We will really miss his humour—and most especially 
his mother’s wise sayings as well as Charmaine’s 
beautiful smile!
Stella Kiwango,
ILRI people and organizational 
development director
Outstandi
D n
r Jim g
m  
y l
 e
Sm a
i d
th o e
f r
 IL  True leader—competent, experienced, passionate, 
I h R
a I
v , 
e d
 i
n r
o ec
 w to
o r
r  
d g
s e
 n
to e
 r
d a
e l
s , 
i c
s r
 i
a b
n e visionary and, most importantly, kind-hearted 
 h
o i
u m
ts .
t  O
an ve
d r
i a
n l
g l,
  
p h
e e
r  One of the best DGs I have ever met. Dearest Jimmy, you will be dearly missed by all 
h s
a o
s n
 b  a
ro n
u d
g  a
h  
t l
 e
t a
r d
em er
e  w
n h
d o
o  
a u
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d  g
 i r
t o of us. First time I met you was in Nanjing, China. So happy to able to meet you and 
s w
 e t
m h 
p t
l o
o  
y IL
e R
es I
  
ove
w r Lindsay and all in person before the Covid-19 travel restriction. Thanks for all your 
i t
s h
h e
  
y pa
o s
u t
  
a te
 l n
on  y
g e
 a
l r
if s
e . 
 I
w  
of it
 y h 
o h
u e
r a valuable contribution to ILRI. Words cannot describe our utmost appreciation for 
 l
l t
i h
fe  f
. o
T r
h  t
a h
n e 
k re
 s
y t
o  
u. you. Please stay well and keep in touch. Really hope to meet up with you in person 
Solomon Fikr again in Nairobi or in Malaysia. Thank you for everything, Jimmy.
I e
L ,
R  
I technical assistant
Li Lin Foo, ILRI board member
Inspirational Compassionate 
For these six years, I admired Jimmy’s vision and leadership 
in overseeing ILRI’s operations, interacting with board and inspiring
members to optimize governance and minimize board There is a saying that ‘Great leaders inspire 
members trespassing into management issues. All conducted greatness in others’. Thank you for appointing me your 
with characteristic diplomacy and a winning sense of 
Where one representative to Ethiopia (2014–2021). I have learned so 
humour. Jimmy’s management of ILRI and of its two HQ much while working alongside you. Your leadership created 
sites in Addis and Nairobi (involving many CG centres) an environment in which I was able to evolve, with the 
was an early indicator and testament to the advantages of support and encouragement to become successful in whatever 
a more integrated interaction between the CG centres. No 
stands on I pursued. Thanks for inspiring us each day. May you have a 
board meeting reflection would be complete without the warm relaxing new chapter ahead. Wishing you and Charmaine all 
recall of Charmaine notifying us of the many important life the best in your retirement. 
challenges outside of our CGIAR focus—not least her work 
with school initiatives and NGOs helping directly a lot of May God’s favour be upon you.
livestock poor people. Prior to those years of board participation, I had Siboniso Moyo,
represented IFAD on the CGIAR Fund Council (precursor to ILRI deputy director general for livestock 
genetics & feeds and forages
what is now the System Council); Jimmy was a Fund Council 
colleague, representing Canada, and then part of the World 
issues is Bank delegation. 
One of his major successes was in helping to elicit a major 
CIDA financial contribution to the CGIAR. I was co-chair of 
a function the CGIAR Change Steering Team 2008–2010, which led to 
that major CGIAR reform—now referred to as programmatic 
reform—leading to the advent of the cross- centre CGIAR 
Research Programs (CRPs). Jimmy’s vision, management 
of where skills and deep awareness of agricultural research for Inspiring Inspirational 
I have learnt a lot and been inspired by Jimmy’s leadership. Besides 
development exercised great influence on that reform, and When I joined ILRI a few years ago, Jimmy asked me at one of the meetings then the passion that has enabled him successfully to lead and advocate 
on the subsequent ones, including the on-going evolution in Addis how I liked ILRI. I was amazed that a leader of such a large organization for ILRI’s vision, the unique attributes of being approachable, a great 
to ‘One CGIAR’. I participated in this on-going evolution as would even identify a new staff member and that he would ask such a question. listener to all staff regardless of hierarchical status and concern not 
one sits board chair of CIP. We exchanged views during this evolution, I said I thought ILRI was great and I meant it. He looked at me doubtful. A few only for staff but for their families as well is admirable! I’m hoping to 
including on the essential focus on CGIAR staff morale years later I can say, not everything is perfect of course, but I have also seen one day read and learn more from Jimmy’s upcoming autobiography! 
and commitment during these very challenging times. His other organizations’ work and performances, and I would still say the same, A special thank you to Jimmy and Charmaine for the love, kindness 
retirement from ILRI and the CGIAR is a huge and very sad with even more confidence. Simply thinking of the way we were guided through and care towards my family. My sons have been positively 
loss to the CGIAR System. I wish him all the best for his future the worst times of the pandemic—these Friday meetings were a lifeline for me in transformed. I’m sincerely indebted. May you be blessed abundantly.
challenges. the first few months of the pandemic. ILRI is great—and I really believe that this Josephine Birungi, ILRI head of technology
Rodney Cooke, CGIAR representative on the Committee on World Food is thanks to you, Jimmy!
Security Advisory Group; former CIP board chair and ILRI board member 
(2013—2018) Birgit Habermann, ILRI scientist
I first met Jimmy Smith in Addis Ababa in 1994 as I shuttled between the campuses of ILCA (the International Livestock 
Center for Africa) and ILRAD (the International Laboratory for Research on Animal Diseases) in Nairobi. I was 
supporting the discussions about how the merger of the two institutes into ILRI would be managed the following year. I 
Inspirational remember the initially strained, formal meeting between the several program heads of the two centres. But later that day, Inspirational Inspiring
or the next, much longer informal discussions with Jimmy alone about the fundamentals of development and how a 
I have always enjoyed listening to you during 
Wishing you happiness and research program might work. His perceptions were deeper than mine, the laboratory scientist. He articulated better than You’re a great leader and a real 
our town hall meetings. You have been an 
contentment during your I could have a more rounded description of what the farmers and governments of Africa needed in their hands to make 
inspiration to many, professionally and in inspiration. Thank you for your 
retirement. You served us well. progress. This conversation was not strained. Rather it was long, patient, and on his part, persuasive. I came away from great leadership and kudos for 
many different arenas. May the good Lord 
Emily Ouma, ILRI senior sci
a e
g n
r t
i i
c s
u t 
l /
t  it substantially changed. I would spend the next 18 months instigating meetings and writing about potential livestock 
bless you and your loved ones in your future your next journey.
ural economist
programs for ILRI with much more open views than I had on that day I arrived in Addis. And one of the rewards of a 
endeavours and in all aspects. Tushar Kumar Dey,  
long career in the CGIAR is to accumulate a better understanding of different parts of the world and their systems—and ILRI graduate fellow
Phillip Oyuko, ILRI ICT endpoint officer
meeting your friends and colleagues who have signed up for the same research for development lifestyle. Jimmy and I have 
met and re-met in Addis, in Nairobi and in places around the world. I remember a CGIAR meeting in Uruguay, when 
Jimmy entered the hotel lounge sporting a splendid bright shirt with his DG colleagues in their blues and greys. There was 
a smile and exclamation of greeting, a thorough shake of the hand. In any circumstances, I always felt welcomed, drawn 
Inspirational in, made part of the bigger endeavour. I will not give an account of his life as ILRI DG. Just a note of 
appreciation that his fashioning of the centre’s program, his 
leadership tireless work with funders in the age of the rebellion against Inspiring Inspirational leader 
You have led the
meat, and his evident concerns for staff always made me That he may continue to  ILRI community with heart 
Thanks for your great leadership that and passion, an
energize and inspire with his d
feel that the centre was in the best of hands. So, I thank  have been an inspirational 
leader to all, Inspiring
helps ILRI to keep flying high. May your  big
Jimmy for this special place he has exercised in the CGIAR ambition for excellency, his self-  and small. As you move on to 
next chapter be filled with success and your next adventure, may your path be We came to ILRI at the same time in 2011; now I cannot 
over nearly 30 years, and I expect that all who meet him will confidence, his pride and his  bright 
happiness. and doors open a
benefit from the stories he has to tell, and from the telling. s you need them. Bles imagine an ILRI without you. I wish you both the very, 
respect for others. sings and 
favour everlasting! very best in your future adventures. 
Chi Nguyen, Peter Gardiner, former ILRI scientist, senior advisor to CGIAR and Alessandra Galiè,  
ILRI communications officer member of the CGIAR Independent Science and Partnership Council ILRI gender team leader Bernice Waweru, ILRI biometrics re Elise Schieck, ILRI scientist
search officer
Authentic 
Wherever you are going next, m
y a
ou y
  
hit them long and strai
k g
e h
e t
p ,
  
it on the fairway and stay out 
of the bunkers.
Bernhard Hack
IL ,
R   
I digital ecosystem manager
ILRI will be Mensch
Jimmy, what a pleasure it has been 
the Number One serving under you for the past decade. They 
say people will always remember how you Sagacious
livestock-research- made them feel, and you were—are!—such an Enjoy retirement (retired 
empathic leader, a real mensch. Thank you but not tired). You still 
for-development for everything! have a lot to offer.
Iddo Dror,  Robert G Oisebe,  
ILRI impact at scale program leader Integrity, empathy and influence ILRI chief security 
institute worldwide officer Truthful 
I wish Jimmy could continue to help us navigate the 
unchartered waters of the One CGIAR transition as his long In line with my one-word description of 
experience and wisdom are invaluable to the CGIAR leadership. ‘truthful’, I fondly remember you explaining 
Knowing there is a fantastic life beyond the CGIAR for your frustration with the One CGIAR merging 
Bar none. Wise somebody as talented as Jimmy, I also wish him a wonderful process, telling us we were being kept on the 
end to his tremendously successful career by inspiring young mushroom diet of ‘keep us in the dark and feed 
Jimmy, you will be missed at ILRI and 
throughout the CGIAR. If you get tired of scholars to embrace research on food systems and participate in us shit!’ That kind of candor and genuine 
the next and truly green revolution. Jimmy will be missed as emotion from our leader made me like and trust 
retirement, we always need good herders out at 
Kapiti where you can get back to your roots. a colleague and a friend. Jimmy, please stay in touch and see and respect you all the more. Thanks for keeping 
you soon in beautiful Canada, hopefully. Warm wishes. us out of the dark.
Michael Gerba, ILRI chief operating officer
Jean Balié, IRRI director general Zoe Campbell, ILRI gender scientist
Visionary
Kind, 
visionary
I wish Jimmy good health Visionary 
and success in his future 
Jimmy, you are the best DG. May 
endeavours.
God keep on guiding you till the end.
You never can tell  Rosemary Kande,
Meron Mulatu,  
ILRI ICT endpoint manager
ILRI communications and knowledge 
management coordinator
when you send a word, Visionary Visionary 
Jimmy has led transformative change during the past One Jimmy, One world better 
Like an arrow shot from a bow decade at ILRI. He leaves a strong legacy of advocacy through livestock. Thanks! Visionary 
and attention placed on the livestock sector. The 2019 Jimmy champions livestock 
ILRI annual program meeting stands out to me as to development internationally, at Jimmy champions many 
how far ILRI had come since I was first associated with ILCA, IDRC, World Bank & ILRI. key considerations in 
By an archer blind, be it cruel or kind, the institute in 2006, and that is testament to Jimmy’s Manifestly crossing boundaries livestock development, 
drive and passion. His ability to steer ILRI through the of discipline and geography Including, to mention 
pandemic with weekly meetings showed a way to right exemplified by his management just a few; One Health, 
Just where it may chance to go. the ship and let us know we are all on the same team. of the Systemwide Livestock gender, nutrition and 
You’ll be missed. Many thanks for ILRI and the imprint Programme (SLP). poverty.
you’ve had on my career as well! Jock Anderson,  Regina Birner,  
It may pierce the breast University of New England professor University of Hohenheim 
Karl Rich, Oklahoma State University professor and director professor
of your dearest friend.
Tipped with its poison or balm. . . Strategic 
 I cherished your support when we were designing CIDA support to 
BecA, with you leading the donor and I as the steering committee 
chairman. As an ILRI board member (2003 to 2013) and staff (2016 
Ella Wheeler Wilcox to current), I have witnessed your strategic leadership in ILRI and 
passion for livestock research for development. My fond memories 
are of your leadership in the visits of HE Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru 
Kenyatta to ILRI, which I was involved in suggesting and organizing. I 
also have very good memories of your prowess in Caribbean dancing.
Romano Kiome, ILRI accelerating value chain development project leader
I first met Jimmy Smith in Addis Ababa in 1994 as I shuttled between the 
campuses of ILCA (the International Livestock Center for Africa) and ILRAD 
(the International Laboratory for Research on Animal Diseases) in Nairobi. 
I was supporting the discussions about how the merger of the two institutes 
into ILRI would be managed the following year. I remember the initially strained, You are a person of sincerity, integrity, full of charm and 
formal meeting between the several program heads of the two centres. But wisdom; you are a leader of strong will, rich experience, and 
later that day, or the next, much longer informal discussions with Jimmy alone high capability. Six years passed since I first met you, at 
about the fundamentals of development and how a research program might the campus of ILRI, both impressed me such that I decided 
work. His perceptions were deeper than mine, the laboratory scientist. He to relate myself more to this institute and its great mission 
articulated better than I could have a more rounded description of what the and feel honoured and rewarded to date. By retiring from 
farmers and governments of Africa needed in their hands to make progress. ILRI and turning a new page of life, you will sure to be 
This conversation was not strained. Rather it was long, patient, and on his part, appreciated with all the outstanding contributions you 
persuasive. I came away from it substantially changed. I would spend the next made to this institute and well beyond. Be blessed with all 
18 months instigating meetings and writing about potential livestock programs my good wishes to your future new days to come!
for ILRI with much more open views than I had on that day I arrived in Addis. Jing Zhu, former ILRI board member; dean of Nanjing Agricultural 
And one of the rewards of a long career in the CGIAR is to accumulate a better University College of Economics and Management
understanding of different parts of the world and their systems—and meeting 
your friends and colleagues who have signed up for the same research for 
development lifestyle. 
Jimmy and I have met and re-met in Addis, in Nairobi and in places around the Institutional leadership during challenging times. 
world. I remember a CGIAR meeting in Uruguay, when Jimmy entered the hotel Over last decade, ILRI has faced challenges to its 
lounge sporting a splendid bright shirt with his DG colleagues in their blues and very existence. Good leaders overcome challenges to 
greys. There was a smile and exclamation of greeting, a thorough shake of the ensure institutional continuity. Great leaders identify 
hand. In any circumstances, I always felt welcomed, drawn in, made part of the opportunities for institutional growth and improvement; 
bigger endeavour. I will not give an account of his life as ILRI DG. Just a note of then they secure needed resources and empower 
appreciation that his fashioning of the centre’s program, his tireless work with others to take full advantage of these opportunities. 
funders in the age of the rebellion against meat, and his evident concerns for Jimmy Smith is a great leader! Thinking about Jimmy 
staff always made me feel that the centre was in the best of hands. So, I thank since 1991, when I first met him, reminded me again that 
Jimmy for this special place he has exercised in the CGIAR over nearly 30 years, one of my best contributions (and it was serendipitous) 
and I expect that all who meet him will benefit from the stories he has to tell, and to ILRI success was bringing Shirley and Jimmy together 
from the telling. in Ibadan.
Peter Gardiner, ILRI communications manager Hank Fitzhugh, former ILRI director general (retired)
The best 
Hi Jimmy, I of course wish you and your family all the very best for the future 
as you enter the third part of life, retirement. Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy! But I would 
also like to put on record that I consider you the best director that ILRI has had, 
and for this many congratulations! Your charismatic leadership, your immense 
compassion for people and your ability to get things done has characterized your 
time at ILRI and you have so much to be proud of! I have always enjoyed working 
with you, both before and during my time on the board of ILRI, but also I’ve 
immensely enjoyed your company outside of work and at the many social events 
we have shared. I do hope we will both find time for this to continue! Serious 
congratulations on a job well done at ILRI!
Martyn Jeggo, ILRI board member
Exceptional 
How ILRI Long happy life.
Robert Nzioka,  
 ILRI chief financial officer
delivers:
Outstanding The GOAT! (Greatest Of All Time) 
Jimmy—You are someone with extraordinary 
> on time strength of character, absolute integrity and with I cannot imagine how ILRI could have been in better leadership hands these past 
outstanding leadership qualities—which are essential 11 years. Those hands are as humane as they are expert: from rising funding 
for the role you have so ably filled as DG of ILRI to fair staff pay to equitable staff opportunities to practicing mission-driven 
and influential member of the CGIAR family. Your science (‘with the end in mind’) to always keeping his cool (and always looking 
> on budget leadership is distinguished even more by your ability cool) to mixing music with messages, to keeping us all safe and informed in the 
to know when to be strong and forthright and when COVID-19 pandemic. Jimmy Smith has been a cautious and realistic optimist 
to be supportive and to show humility—and not amidst all the various CGIAR reforms. He has been a friendly colleague as well 
forgetting too your great sense of humour. You will as an inspired and inspiring leader. And he has, somehow, kept his humanity in 
> to spec be sadly missed by all at ILRI and by the CG System. all his daily deluge of work. (Not sure if he has kept his golf handicap, though . 
I wish you and Charmaine a long and happy ‘next . .). It has been my pleasure to work with and for him all these years. I can only 
phase’ together as you build a new rhythm of life in hope that he continues his life’s work in some ‘modified’ retirement. And that 
retirement. Let the music play . . . Charmaine gets to see more of him in future. To both Jimmy and Charmaine I 
🎼 Thank you for 
all you have done—and I hope our paths will cross send best wishes for the next chapter in their lives back in North America—
again sometime. happy and fulfilled in the knowledge of all that they have accomplished in Africa, 
Asia and Latin America and the Caribbean.
Richard Golding, ILRI board member and CGIAR audit, 
finance and risk committee member Susan MacMillan, ILRI emeritus fellow
Until we start Visionary 
thinking of Dear Jimmy, I firmly believe that work culture starts 
from the top, and ILRI has been so fortunate 
human and to have you at its helm. You set the bar high on Jimmy and 
integrity, quality of science, inclusiveness and 
genuine care for all of us staff. I love how you know Charmaine,  
animal health people’s names and address us all individually. The You have always shown an amazing ability to 
way you kept us together and motivated us during recognize and pull out the very best potential 
as linked... COVID (and the One CGIAR transition!) is a true from every individual who crosses your paths. 
testament to your strong leadership. You were the Thank you for being an extraordinary boss and 
leader we needed you to be—you kept us going special family friends! May you be as blessed in 
during such challenging times and in the process your retirement as you’ve been a blessing to 
others in multiple ways!
brought us all closer than ever. I am so proud to tell 
another people that I work at ILRI—so proud to be part of Shirley Tarawali,  
the team and family, so proud that we have such a ILRI assistant director general, 
coronavirus is and Gbassay Tarawali
wonderful DG as you. They say that behind every 
great man is an even greater woman, and I know that 
ivevitable is the case for you. We are thankful to have had you 
and Charmaine at every turn. We are sorry to see Dear Jimmy, It was a pleasure to learn to heavily in these different positions. Your passion and CGIAR transition process and will have a lasting impact 
you go but know that it would be selfish of us not to know you over the past, now almost, 3 years. I enjoyed engagement and your insistence of looking beyond easy on the future of our organization. It was a pleasure to 
let others benefit from your genuine goodness and your passion for the world and the world’s poor, for the answers and simplistic solutions, with your views inspired discuss with you and an honour to get to know you and 
commitment to creating a better world for others role of livestock in enhancing their fate and future, and by real-world and broad experience, contributed a to learn from you. My very best wishes in whatever you 
less fortunate. Thank you truly. I am honoured to for the CGIAR. You several times reminded me of your very important perspective. Your vision that global decide to do next.
have worked with you. different roles and relationships with the CGIAR—from progress requires local support and engagement from Jo Swinnen, CGIAR managing director of systems transformation 
Mireille Ferrari, ILRI communications manager donor to insider and manager—and how you invested stakeholders in the north and the south influenced the and IFPRI director general
Our career paths crossed several times and all encounters were highly 
Dear Jimmy enjoyable. The first time I met Jimmy was in his time as the regional West 
I congratulate you on your full retirement! You African coordinator for ILCA. Then and also later he was very convincing 
should be happy that the 24h-job ends very soon. about livestock as an essential part of the circular economy in the Dear Jimmy,
. . . I remember your first trip to Vietnam as ILRI DG farming system. He was so convincing that a senior vice-president at the  
I a
in 2012, to launch the CGIAR Research Program on World Bank, who had just visited his team and the program in the Sahel, m writing to bid you farewell as yo
d u
i
Livestock & Fish and the PigRISK project; in 2014, spent an entire senior staff meeting on the value of manure for food r r
e  
c m
t o
o r
r e
 g  t
e h
n a
e n
r  
a a
l  
 d
o e
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t a
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e e
 In  o
t f
e  
r s
n e
a r
t v
i i
o ce
n  
a as
  
a l
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following ILRI board and CRP Livestock and Fish security in that region. I still remember the different department directors d iv
 y e
o st
u o
r c
 r k
o  
l R
e e
 a s
s e
 C ar
G ch
IA  I
R ns
 s t
e it
n u
i t
o e
r  (
 d IL
ir R
e
t c I)
o t ,
meetings; in 2017, for the regional livestock and thinking ‘who planted that in the vice president’s head?’. The second time  o  
a r
 c  f
l o
o r
s  
e liv
. e
Y s
o t
u o
r c
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o -b
ic a
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 i e
n d
 s  
u sy
p s
p t
o e
r m
t s
in , 
g c
 o
s me 
ac u
Sustainable Development Goals meeting, where occurred when Jimmy was sitting at the other side of the table as CIDA’s ro st
s a
s i
 n
th a
e b
 l
w e 
o li
r v
l e
d s
 h to
a c
s k
 b  d
e e
e v
n e
 e lo
lo p
q m
u e
e n
n t
b t  
,
u  t
many MOUs were signed; and then the last one, in representative. i i
l r
t e
 s le
tr s
o s
n  a
g n
 f d
o  c
u o
n n
d s
a e
ti q
o u
n e
s n
 t t
o ia
 e l.
n  Y
s o
u u
re  h
 
p t a
h ve 
a a
August 2022, for the launch of a One CGIAR One r t
t  
 l
o iv
f e
 t s
h t
e o
 c
fo k 
o re
d m
 s a
y i
While working at the World Bank, and at the tail end of my membership s n
t s
e  a
m n
s  
 i
d m
i p
sc o
o r
u ta
rs n
e t 
r .
e  I
s n
Health initiative, when you and I were honoured with e d
a e
r e
c d
h ,
 a  y
n o
d u
 d r 
e p
v a
e s
l s
o i
on ILRI’s board of directors, it was nice to deal with a CGIAR person p on
m  
e fo
n r
t  
, l
 i
a v
n es
d t
 o
yo ck
u  
in r
v  c
medals from the Vietnamese government for our e o
st n
m si
e s
n te
t, n
 h t 
a a
s d
 f v
a o
c c
that understood livestock and not with the plant and soil scientists, who, il a
it c
a y
t  
e fo
d r
 a  i
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d c
o re
u a
b s
li e
n d 
tr g
u  o
contributions to agricultural research. We met also ly f
  
i I
m L
p R
r I
e ’s
s  b
si u
v d
e g
f e
e t
a  
at that time seemed to dominate the system. I remember also from my t o
. v
 U er
n  1
d 0
e  
r y
 e
y a
o r
u s
r —
 te a 
to nu
 
in Chengdu in November 2020, where we discussed a r
 e
b ,
r  I
o L
a R
d I
e  c
r o
 a n
g t
e in
n u
d e
superiors the good vibes about Jimmy. So it was a pleasure for me to a d
,  
 t
f o
ro  e
m x
 p
fa a
r n
m d
  
t i
o ts
 f  r
o e
o r m
development of our Southeast Asia regional office n k i
d . t
 
u A  
c c n
te d
d  w
 u it
n h
d  d
e i
r v
 e
o r
n s
welcome Jimmy in taking over my position in the World Bank, as the team e e
  
r d
o is
o c
f i
, p
 IL lin
R a
I r
 h y
a  w
s o
 rk
is p
s
and my career growth within ILRI, which led to my o io  
 n
ce e
n e
t r
r e
a d
l  
t t
o h
 e
t  
h s
e y
 s
O te
leader of the Bank’s (small) livestock group. I personally happened to like n m
e s
 C  a
G p
I p
A r
R oa
 v c
is h
io  t
n h
. a
 I t
,  
sen
move Nairobi (in the middle of the pandemic!). I thank io  
r a
 l
l o
ea n
d g 
e w
r i
s t
h h
i  
p th
 t e
e  
the World Bank and working with Jimmy, so I was able to follow him for a re
m s
, t
 h  o
a f
v  C
e G
be IA
e R
n ’s
e  
p n
ro o
you for your great support of me and ILRI’s regional v rm
ok o
i u
n s
g l
 y
in  g
s r
ig a
h te
ts fu
 a l
some time as a Bank consultant after my retirement. During his first years n  f
d o
 r
p  y
e o
rs u
p r 
e th
ct o
iv u
e g
— ht-
wit a
h l
program in Southeast Asia, both of which grew under  w
e a
le y
g s
a  d
n e
t l
h iv
u e
m re
o d
u  
r w
there, I could smoothen somewhat his path in the enormous, but exciting, — ith
a  
l fl
o a
n ir
g  
 a
t n
h d
e  
w of
a t
a y e
 . n
li  
v IL  
your leadership. (ILRI may not be coming to Asia with in R
g I
 ’
e s 
x c
a a
m m
p p
l u
e s
 o e
f s
 h  h
bureaucracy of the Bank, such as trying to make his comprehensive views o a
w ve
 C  lo
G n
IA g 
R p
 r
c o
e v
n id
t ed 
im re
p s
large ships, but we certainly have boats larger than a  c
c a
t n
 in  w
 s o
u r
p k
p  t
o o
r g
t e
 o th
f
more compatible with the rather disciplinary approaches of some of the  e
f r
o  
o to
d  l
, e
 la ve
n r
d a
 g
a e
n  
d o
s  u
c w r
ie a  
canoes!) Thank you also for your support to ILRI’s n te
ti r
s  
t s
s y
 s
a t
t e
 I m
LR s 
I t
, r
 o a
n n
animal-health-oriented staff. But at the same time, we worked together  s
t f
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my interactions and exchanges with you. My family Hi Jimmy! a human being interested in the well and woe of his colleagues and all g  
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and I are thankful for your support for our personal people he comes across. My daughter Nicoline, who now works at ILRI, x ll 
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A warm welcome from both of us in Berne, in Switzerland, the birthplace of ILRI when ILCA and ILRAD joined i  
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plans; although those have not worked out yet, we tells me the same again and again. And finally, Ineke and myself wish n c
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forces many years ago. We are here to wish you all the best for your retirement—only good things for the a h
b  a
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are hopeful. I wish you and Charmaine all the best for Charmaine and Jimmy a most enjoyable retirement. It is not a black hole m e 
i s
s e
s r
io v
n ic
. e to CGIAR and to our shared 
next future endeavours. We just had a little chat about our time at ILRI. We would like to thank you for being 
the next chapter of your life and am looking forward as some feel, but it is great to be able to say yes or no, as you like, and 
supportive of the different kinds of work we did. Thank you very much and all the best! Claudia Sadoff, CGIAR executive
to keeping in contact with you. play golf when you want.  managing director
Barbara Wieland, Institute of Virology and Immunology director, and 
Hung Nguyen, former ILRI representative in Southeast Asia; Cees de Haan,  
co-leader of ILRI’s animal and human health program Lutz Merbold, Agroscope head of agroecology and environment strategic research division former ILRI scientist, board member and World Bank livestock group leader
Dr Jimmy Smith has led ILRI with distinction and can be very proud of 
the organization and what they have achieved. As the only dedicated FAREWELL
livestock research institute in Africa, Jimmy’s leadership has been critical 
to highlighting the importance of livestock to smallholder farmers and 
the wellbeing of Africans. GALVmed is proud to now be a part of the Dr Jimmy Smith
ILRI community and a partner with Jimmy and his team to deliver key 
outcomes for livestock farmers in Africa and Asia. We thank Jimmy for Thank you for your
all his work over many years and wish him all the best for this next phase 
of his career. partnership and friendship
Paul Wood, GALVmed board chair  - From GALVmed
In the foreword to the recently pub
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with his passion and wisdom
C .
arolin Schumacher, GALVmed chief executive officer
The Smiths of Heart for Africa and Ethiopia!
 
Jimmy Smith, of Guyana and Canada,
But are you really?
I am new in your orbit, but even I have seen your heart,
Not just with my own eyes but those of others,
Others who have been in your orbit—much, much longer,
All in your orbit agree—you have a big heart!
 
Jimmy Smith, you say you are of Guyana and Canada
But your heart is of Mother Africa
We have seen your heart. It truly has the shape of Africa, 
The shape of Africa with all its people at its core.
We have seen your heart and it has the shape of Ethiopia, too.
All in your orbit agree—you have a big heart.
 
Your journey at ILRI and ILCA, has been a journey for Africa.
Your journey at ILRI and ILCA has been a journey for Ethiopia.
Your journey at ILRI and ILCA, has been one to make better lives through livestock.
To make better lives through livestock become a reality.
A journey which we are immensely proud of, in your company.
We all agree you have a big heart for livestock, and for agriculture.
 
A big heart the size of Africa calls for a partnership of note.
And there is Charmaine Smith of Canada and Guyana, and we cherish you.
You have a big motherly heart, one indeed with the shape of Africa, too.
One indeed with the shape of Ethiopia, too.
Such a big heart—and yet you have filled it with love for so many
By bringing many into your motherly fold.
 
Charmaine and Jimmy Smith of Canada and Guyana,
Our preference is Charmaine and Jimmy Smith of Africa,
And Charmaine and Jimmy Smith of Ethiopia.
We do not wish to bid you farewell, to your next adventure.
We wish to come with you—in spirit—to help carry your big hearts,
So that you do not forget us.
We celebrate you! And thank you!
Namukolo Covic, 
ILRI director general representative to Ethiopia and CGIAR representative for East and Southern Africa