Intensification through diversification: exploring legumes crop allocation strategies in the maize-based cropping systems of the Tanzanian bread-basket

Diversified agricultural systems that integrate legumes have been shown to enhance soil fertility, pest and disease control, and mitigate climate variability in smallholder systems of Sub-Saharan Africa. However, despite decades of promotion, the adoption of legume integration in these systems has been slow. This is partly due to a lack of understanding of the current crop allocation practices of smallholder farmers and the contextual barriers to legume adoption. The thesis aims to improve the understanding of cropping system planning and management by smallholder farmers and to explore pathways to facilitate legume integration on the basis of current crop allocation practices. The study will use both qualitative and quantitative methods, including farm-level simulation, remote sensing, and farmer’s interviews to contribute to the development of appropriate interventions to promote the adoption of legume-based sustainable intensification options.