Inland fisheries are of particular reference in the context of food security and development in Africa. This study, which argues that a better acknowledgement of traditional resource management and enhancement systems is an essential component of a more appropriate and effective approach to inland fisheries and aquaculture development. The study aims to expand our knowledge base of existing traditional fisheries management and enhancement systems and to improve our understanding of the complexities of resource utilisation. To this end, the study presents an outline of traditional fisheries management and traditional fisheries enhancement systems as well as of modern fisheries enhancement and aquaculture systems. After analysing the potentials and constraints of these systems, conclusions are drawn and formulated into recommendations. Two case studies, both undertaken in the context of this study, and a bibliography are provided as annexes. Interventions into existing resource allocation patterns and property regimes, whether by government, development assistance and/or other agencies should exert the effort necessary to understand the dimensions and the rationale of traditional resource management systems and the institutions on which they are based. Interventions designed to change and strengthen existing institutional arrangements should consider using traditional institutions as the starting point of change but is should be left to the people to decide on whether and how to integrate traditional and modern systems