Intercropping legumes with maize can help increase crop productivity and sustainability. A study looked at how different legumes intercropped with maize affected the entire cropping system, especially maize + legume-wheat. The best combination was maize + cowpea-wheat, which increased economic returns and saved nitrogen in the subsequent wheat crop. Intercropping can improve land-use efficiency, soil fertility, and economic returns, reducing the risk of crop failures. This approach could benefit small farmers in many countries.