Factors explaining farm households’ access to and utilization of extreme climate forecasts in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)

Abstract

Climate change poses significant threat to African agriculture. This study analyzes the factors influencing access to and utilization of extreme weather forecasts in selected SSA countries. The data were collected from nine African countries and analyzed with descriptive statistics and probit regression. The results showed access to climate forecast was higher in East African countries where 65.95% received information on extreme climatic events. Majority of the farmers with access to climate information also received advice on its utilization. The main changes effected in farming systems due to forecast received included changes in the timing of farming activities, land management, crop planted and crop variety planted. Probabilities of access to and utilization of climate forecasts significantly increased (p < 0.10) with primary, secondary and tertiary education, among others. Initiatives that enhance farmers’ literacy, access to radio and ability to observe accurately changes in weather would further enhance their adaptation through climatic forecasts.