Genetic diversity of tilapia and aquaculture development in Cote d'Ivoire and Niger

The first tilapias used in aquaculture in Africa were Tilapia rendalli and Oreochromis mossambicus, species which proved to be of little aquacultural value. Now interest is focusing on a small number of more productive species, mainly O. niloticus and O. aureus. The choice of strains has been often fortuitous, conditioned by proximity of supply or based on transfers from countries or stations where research had been accomplished. in this framework, the enhancement of research dealing with local species or populations for aquaculture as well as monitoring of the genetic characteristics of the main cultivated populations appears to be essential. Rational management of broodstock is the recent result of biochemical techniques for evaluating genetic variability and evolution. This paper analyzes approaches to the management of genetic variability using examples from research and development operations in the Cote d'lvoire and Niger. Orientations are proposed concerning the conservation and management of genetic resources in relation to the organization of aquaculture development in Africa.