In West Africa, yam (D. cayenensis-D.rotundata) plays an important role in food security and income generation for many small farmers. Sub-Saharan Africa contributes for more than 95% to yam's world production. However, in West Africa yam production, traditionally based on slash and burn practice, is jeopardised by a decrease in the availability of long duration fallow. Therefore, yam cultivation is changing from more exigent and also the more appreciated varieties (thus the most profitable) to the cultivation of less demanding but also less appreciated cultivars. In the face of such a challenge, researchers recognise the need to develop cropping systems that include herbaceous legumes. Despite being of low direct economic interest herbaceous legumes play a major role in the maintenance or the recovery of soil fertility and/or pests management (weeds, fungi, insects, nematodes). Some of these yam based systems are currently being assessed in West Africa: use of Mucunapruriens as improved fallow, use of Aeschynomene histrix IGliricidia sepium as improved fallow, followed by G. sepium (as living stakes) in yam cropping system, use of Puer aria phaseoloides as a cover crop.