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Integrating N₂-fixing indigenous legumes in smallholder farming systems has potential to alleviate some of the major soil fertility constraints associated with lack of nitrogen (N) inputs in many parts of Sub-SaharanAfrica. Studies were conducted under low (450–650 mm yr⁻¹) and high (>800 mm yr⁻¹) rainfall areas in Zimbabwe to investigate the establishment and nitrogen fixation patterns of fifteen indigenous legume species. The legume seeds were broadcast in mixtures at 120 seeds m⁻² species⁻¹ during 2004/05 and 2005/06 rainfall seasons.Eriosema ellipticum, Crotalaria ochroleuca andC. pallida had emergence rates above 15% compared with <10% forTephrosia radicans andIndigofera astragalina. Seed hardness accounted for >50% germination failure, while low viability explained 10–30%.Crotalaria ochroleuca andC. pallida attained a maximum biomass of 5–9 t ha⁻¹ (dry weight) over six …