Genetics and Aquaculture in Africa

Abstract

"Research to develop aquaculture in Africa was at its peak in the 1960's. Several dozens of cultured species were tested and still are being tested to determine their adaptability or their aptness for rural and urban Mica. The identification of potentially interesting species, the mastery of their biological cycles, and the optimization of culture conditions are the research axes which have progressed the most in the last few years. As a consequence, we have seen all sorts of aquacultural activities appear, from growers with one pond to the largest of industrial projects. We see very simple aquacultural activities like the grow out of harvested wild fingerlings and others more complex requiring specialized knowledge and qualified personnel. Trials have been attempted in all environments, in rivers, ponds, dam reservoirs and lagoons. Despite all these efforts, the development of aquaculture in Africa has lagged behind, especially when compared to that of other tropical particularly in Asia. The example of tilapia culture is very demonstrative on this subject. Even though Africa is the cradle of all the species, it is responsible for only a few percentages of the global production of tilapia. Far from discouraging us, the examples of these other countries give us objectives that we must reach."