Agroecological Maize–Legume Systems for Improving Soil Fertility, Climate Resilience, and Smallholder Food Security in Sub‐Saharan Africa

Maize–legume systems are central to smallholder agriculture in Sub-Saharan Africa, yet their productivity remains constrained by declines in soil fertility, climate variability, and limited access to external inputs. Agroecological approaches integrating maize with grain and forage legumes offer a promising pathway to enhance soil health, climate resilience, and food security through biological nitrogen fixation, diversified production, and ecosystem-based management. This study aimed to systematically synthesise evidence on the agronomic, environmental, and food security outcomes of agroecological maize–legume systems in Sub-Saharan Africa. A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) framework. Peer-reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2024 were retrieved from major scientific databases using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data were extracted on system type (intercropping, rotation, relay cropping), crop performance, soil properties, and resilience indicators. The review reveals that maize–legume systems consistently improve maize yields, nitrogen use efficiency, and soil organic matter compared to continuous maize monocropping, particularly under low-input conditions. Legume integration also enhances yield stability under rainfall variability and contributes to dietary diversity and household income. However, outcomes vary by legume species, management practices, and agroecological zone, highlighting the importance of context-specific design and farmer participation. In conclusion, agroecological maize–legume systems represent a robust and scalable strategy for sustainable intensification in Sub-Saharan Africa. Still, broader adoption requires supportive policies, extension services, and long-term field-based research.