The production of cotton (Gossypium spp.) is one of the major economic activities in many countries of West and Central Africa. Traditionally, cotton production was seen as 'engine for development' in rural Africa, but deregulation and the dismantling of commodity boards, and severe fluctuations in international fibre prices led to a considerable decrease in the areas under cotton in the region and declining cotton yields. Food crops such as maize or sorghum are increasingly replacing cotton on the land cultivated by smallholders. This poses an important threat to the maintenance of soil productivity, since cotton is often the sole entry point of nutrients to the cropping system when fertilisers are provided by the industry. Te consequences of this are examined through analysis of existing agronomic and experimental evidence from cotton-based agroecosystems in the region, and ways forward for agricultural research for development are outlined.