This paper evaluates the effects of the introduction of no-tillage systems (SPD) in rainfed maize grain production, by smallholders, under Cerrado conditions, in the region of Unaí, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. The main constraints faced by farmers to produce are related to soil fertility management, difficulties in assessing tractors for preparing their land, and high levels of weed infestation. SPD was tested jointly with farmers trying to decrease these problems impacts. It showed promising results to stabilize, technically and economically, maize production. SPD solved completely the tractors dependency and contributed to decrease labour requirements for weed control. The production levels attained led to a better valorisation of the most scarce production factors, such as family labour and land. It was also evidenced the need to conduct more studies on the use of cover crops in those production systems.