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The main problem undermining food security in most smallholder farming systems in Zimbabwe is the limited range of alternative nutrient resources for a wide range of farmers and soils. This study was initiated to investigate field establishment patterns, population dynamics and management dynamics of potential indigenous legume species found in smallholder farming systems of Zimbabwe. Germination patterns were determined under laboratory conditions following various scarification procedures using a germination test technique while field studies were conducted under low (450-650 mm yr-1) to high (> 800 mm yr-1) rainfall conditions in Zimbabwe on nutrient depleted soils. Indigenous legume seeds were broadcast on disturbed soil in mixtures at 120 seeds m-2 species-1 over two growing seasons: 2004/05 and 2005/06 rainfall seasons. Low emergence rates among species were attributed to seed hardness and low seed viability, accounting for> 50% and 10-30% of germination failure, respectively. Acid scarification significantly (P< 0.05) increased germination while hot water treatment had no effect on germination. Crotalaria pallida and C. ochroleuca were the first to emerge within 14 days from seeding while emergence for other species was spread over two months. Eriosema ellipticum had a highest population of 42 plants m-2 (8%) while Crotalaria pallida, Crotalaria cylindrostachys, Crotalaria ochroleuca and Indigofera arrecta had populations of< 23 plants m-2 (5%). Species biomass contribution into the system was spread across time and in space characterized by slow initial growth rate compared to that of non-legume species …