Ex-ant assessment during DEGITA provided researchers araes where further research was needed, and contributed to increased understanding of the dynamics between new technology, prevailing socioeconomic conditions, and agroecologocal environments. The baseline surveys conducted through DEGITA convered the history of tilapia introductions; regional distribution of tilapia farming and trend in production, yield, and methods; socioeconomic status of tilapia farmers; tilapia consumption, marketing, and trade; environmental impact of tilapia and tilapia farming; government policies; and future developments. Throghout DEGITA, the five national program partners monitored water and soil quality at test sites, as water-use pattererns and conflicts. The national partners also keptwatch for any reports of advers impacts from GIFT on aquatic biodiversity and the environment