The slow increase in grain production in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is largely the result of cropland expansion rather than an increase in crop yields, which have been stagnantly low (< 1.5 t ha-1). Sustainable intensification of crop production is therefore needed to feed a growing population whilst minimizing negative impacts on the environment, biodiversity, and climate. Full accounting of the net global warming potential (GWP) of management practices can provide a holistic approach for identifying cropping systems that promote sustainable agriculture intensification to ensure food security whilst mitigating climate change.