S’appuyer sur les multiples benefices des legumineuses a graines pour une agriculture plus productive et nutritive dans les tropiques semi-arides (Relying on the numerous advantages of grain legumes for more productive and nutritive agriculture in the semi-arid tropics)JBossuetauthorVVadezauthorNitrogen and phosphorus are two of the main nutrients for agriculture but their growing scarcity makes them increasingly less available and affordable for farmers in the semi-arid tropics. Legumes have the comparative advantage over other plant species of being able to independently fix nitrogen, but also to absorb natural phosphorus that is in non-soluble form in the soil. In addition to soil fertility, grain legumes bring other important benefits for farmers in different farming systems. It is a quality fodder source for livestock. Rich in protein, energy and sometimes in lipids, grain legumes are nutritious food for humans. They are ideal as rotation crops with cereals and have also become a cash crop in some regions. Legumes should play an important role in future crop systems in semi-arid tropics. This article discuss the importance legumes, in particular grain legumes, could have as fertilizing and nutritious crops for farmers in semi-arid tropics if the current constraints for large-scale cultivation can be addressed.Food Legumes2013John Libbey EurotextArticle