Fish farming is not widely practiced in Central and West Africa despite promotion efforts dating back to the 1940's, the acceptance of fish as a food by the vast majority of people, and the availability of suitable lands. The purpose of this study is to assess the reasons why these efforts have not had more impact and to suggest improvements. The following responses to fish culture development efforts are noted. (1) The AID-assisted Peace Corps project in Zaire has been impressive: farmer demonstrations have had good yields; Peace Corps volunteers are extremely dedicated; and small fish are readily accepted by the rural population. Although government participation has been meager, conditions seem favorable the expansion of aquaculture. (2) Although Peace Corps volunteers working on fish culture development in Cameroon were as dedicated as those in Zaire, Cameroon simply lacks the grass roots interest noted in Zaire. (3) While there is a semblance of fish culture extension and fingerling distribution in Nigeria's Oyo State, the impact of these programs has not been great. On the other hand, a large land clearing and fish farm development scheme in the Bendel State (managed by the U.S.-based Tiffany Farms) has generated considerable interest among other Nigerian states and investors. (4) Little, if any, fish culture in Liberia is taking place at the village level; nor are there sufficient hatcheries or local biologists to sustain a development effort. Nevertheless, the authors view the current USAID proposal to strengthen the Central Agricultural Experiment station at Suakoko as worthwhile. Aquaculture, it is concluded, has the potential to provide both food and income for rural village dwellers. Future development efforts should begin with a careful country-by-country inventory of land, water, climate, and other resources to assess each area's suitability for fish culture. In addition, future efforts should be integrated with health education programs emphasizing fish as a source of protein and the need to control schistosomiasis. Report includes a sociocultural overview, individual country analyses, and a bibliography (33 entries, 1961-79).