Efforts to improve food security and farming livelihoods in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are challenged by climate variability and change. Crop and farm system modelling are key methods to explore climate risk management and change impacts in the context of sustainable cropping systems. However, their contributions to tangible positive change in SSA remain underexplored. We analysed 71 studies identified through a systematic review to examine how these models are applied in SSA, focusing on stakeholder engagement and the use of results in decision-making. In doing so, we contrasted studies' primary and secondary objectives with their declared outcomes. Findings show climate change adaptation was the most frequently addressed issue, particularly in cropping systems. Projecting and forecasting objectives were generally well aligned with reported outcomes, whereas decision-support objectives were less consistently achieved. Often not stated as a main objective, improved system understanding emerged as the most frequent outcome. About half of the studies involved stakeholders, predominantly male farmers, alongside limited participation of policymakers, NGOs and private-sector actors, which has implications for broader system level transformational change. Where co-development and collaboration were emphasized, models were more likely to support decision-making and build trust, indicating that diverse and participatory engagement enhances model credibility and usability. We identify opportunities for future research, including embedding inter- and transdisciplinary approaches, linking models with participatory and experimental processes and developing adaptive frameworks capable of addressing complex socio-environmental challenges. These shifts will enable models to move beyond technical forecasting toward context-relevant knowledge sources that support resilient, sustainable transformation across SSA's diverse farming landscapes.