Food insecurity is increased by adverse weather condition. Intercropping has been practiced traditionally by small-scale farmers in the tropics. Most previous studies focused on intercropping systems involving two-crop associations. However, there is much scope to improve existing cropping systems by devising and evaluating modifications that allow more effective use of the season. Hence, this research aimed to improve the productivity through sequential intercropping of maize with common bean followed by chickpea. A field experiment was conducted in Cheha district of Guraghe zone in 2017 and 2018 cropping seasons. Six treatments (sole maize, sole common bean, sole chickpea, intercropping of maize with common bean, maize with chickpea and sequential intercropping of maize with common followed by chickpea) in RCBD with three replications. The grain yield of maize was not significantly affected due to intercropping. All the intercropping involved in this study were advantageous over sole cropping. The highest yield advantage was recorded due to the sequential intercropping of maize with common bean followed by chickpea. Hence, in the area where intensive agriculture is the odd option for improving food security, this practice is recommended where there is no labor shortage.

Keywords: agricultural system, grain yield, land equivalent ratio, relative yield total, relative value total