A systematic review of guinea fowl diversity and its economic, socio-cultural and ecological significance in Africa.

Guinea fowls (Numida meleagris), native to Africa and domesticated over 2000 years ago, provide an important yet underrecognized domestic avian genetic resource. They play a crucial role in enhancing Africa’s rural food security, generating revenue, and sustaining socio-cultural activities in many African countries. This study analyzes existing literature about the genetic and phenotypic diversity of guinea fowl populations in Africa, highlighting the significance of this diversity in improving socio-cultural, economic, and ecological landscape. We contend that the diverse roles guinea fowls play in local economies and cultural practices are largely driven by their extensive phenotypic variation and underlying genetic diversity. Notwithstanding their potential, guinea fowl production is hindered by challenges like inadequate breeding infrastructure, unstructured market infrastructure, and a deficiency in funding initiatives. We propose a systematic, community-based breeding program to enhance productivity and conserve genetic resources. This framework offers practical assistance for policymakers, academics, and breeding organizations aiming to fully utilize guinea fowls for sustainable agricultural advancement in Africa. Furthermore, to enhance guinea fowl breeding in Africa, it is necessary to invest in research on economically important traits and the best strategies to improve them for the benefit of the community.