Two improved strains of Nile tilapia that grow 30 percent faster and heavier than typical strains are helping to increase productivity and food security in West Africa and Egypt, according to seafood research group WorldFish.
WorldFish has been working with partners on two breeding programs in Ghana and Egypt to develop the "Abbassa"and "Akosombo"strains of Nile tilapia, a variety of fish native to much of Africa.
Almost four million people are employed in the fish farming industry in Africa, and faster-growing, heavier fish have financial benefits for farmers who can produce more fish per year.
Through a selective breeding program in Egypt spanning over 10 years, WorldFish has developed the Abbassa strain that grows 28 percent faster and heavier than the most commonly used commercial strain in the country, the Kafr El Shaikh strain.
Similarly, in Ghana the Water Research Institute (WRI), in partnership with WorldFish, has developed the Akosombo strain, which grows three times faster than non-improved tilapia.
Producing heavier fish faster means a greater income for Nile Tilapia farmers, and is expected to have significant economic benefits for the aquaculture industry in Egypt and Ghana, according to WorldFish.
At the current pace, tilapia production in Ghana is projected to increase tenfold by 2015, said the WRI.
The Abbassa and Akosombo strains reach their harvest weight faster compared to non-improved strains, saving both time and money for farmers in terms of labor and fish feed costs.
The Akosombo strain is also benefiting the West African sub-region with surplus fish exported to La Côte d'Ivoire, and fingerlings sent to Burkina Faso and Nigeria for breeding.
The Abbassa selection line also has the potential to be disseminated outside of Egypt to other Mediterranean and West Asian countries with a similar climate.