Legume-driven cropping systems intensification for enhanced land productivity, nutrition and market access (LDI)
The Legume-driven Cropping Systems Intensification (LDI) project focuses on transforming smallholder farming systems in sub-Saharan Africa by integrating grain legumes with cereals. Through improved rotations and intercropping practices, the project aims to enhance soil fertility, increase crop productivity, improve nutrition, and create stronger market opportunities.
By promoting climate-smart and economically viable farming practices tailored to local conditions, LDI supports sustainable agricultural intensification while addressing food security and environmental challenges.
Legume-driven cropping systems intensification for enhanced land productivity, nutrition and market access (LDI)
Innovating Crop Nutrition for Diverse Cropping Systems
4R4 AFRICA, EMPOWER-OFE, LANDCAPITAL
Start Date: 2026
Category: Ongoing
End Date: 2030
Objectives
The project is designed around six core objectives:
- To evaluate cereal-legume intensification technologies across diverse agro-ecological conditions
- To quantify the productivity, economic, health, and environmental benefits of integrated systems
- To develop and validate best-fit nutrient and agronomic management practices
- To identify key barriers to adoption and scaling of legume-based systems
- To strengthen sustainable legume value chains and improve market access
- To build a clear business case for legume intensification through stakeholder engagement
Research Questions
LDI addresses critical questions to guide scalable solutions:
- Which cereal-legume combinations perform best under different soil and climate conditions?
- To what extent do these systems improve yields, soil health, and nutrition outcomes?
- What fertilizer and crop management strategies maximize benefits while minimizing costs and environmental impact?
- What are the main constraints limiting farmer adoption?
- How can legume value chains be improved to increase farmer income and market participation?
Approach
The project combines field experimentation, farmer engagement, and value chain analysis to generate practical and scalable solutions. It emphasizes:
- On-farm testing across multiple environments
- Integration of agronomic, economic, and nutritional assessments
- Co-development of solutions with farmers and stakeholders
- Linking production systems to market opportunities
Main collaborators: This project is implemented in collaboration with the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT).
Target cropping systems: Cereals and Legumes
Target countries: Tanzania, Malawi, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco