The impact of short-term improved fallows (IF) by legumes on maize and bean yields and soil properties will be assessed to counteract declining staple food production in nutrient-depleted soils in Eastern and Southern Africa. In a novel approach these agroforestry practices will be associated with no-or minimum tillage (NT) to enhance the beneficial effects. The project will increase understanding of the underlying biological and physical soil processes in IF/NT systems and evaluate how the positive effects can be maximised. Wider environmental benefits (carbon sequestration, erosion control) of adoption of IF/NT will be assessed using modelling approaches. The socio-economic environ- ment required for the widespread adoption of IF/NT will be evaluated. The project is carried out in Kenya, Zambia and Zimbabwe.