Intercropping maize and cowpea in a 2:2 row ratio resulted in higher green fodder, dry matter, and protein yields, as well as net returns compared to other treatments. The benefit: cost ratio was highest for maize + cowpea in row ratios of 2:1, 2:2, and mixed seed in the same row. The monetary advantage ranged from negative to Rs 2,427, with the highest being for maize + cowpea (2:2). The land-equivalent ratio was above 1 for all intercropping systems except for maize and cowpea in row ratios of 1:1 and 1:2, with the highest being for maize + cowpea (2:2) at 1.41.