Determinants of climate information service access and use among smallholder farmers in Bereh woreda, Ethiopia

Abstract

Climate information service (CIS) is a key component of a climate adaptation strategy which is expected to lessen climate risk. Access and uses of CIS among the local community are limited and constrained by various factors and are not supported by empirical research evidence. Therefore, the study analyzed CIS access and use determinants among smallholder farmers in Bereh Woreda. The study applied a cross‐sectional design with a mixed methodological approach. Data were collected through a survey of 219 smallholder farmer households, three focused‐group discussions (FGDs), and six key informant interviews (KII). The collected survey data were analyzed using the Heck‐probit model to determine factors influencing smallholder farmers’ access and use of CIS. The Heck‐probit model results showed that the determinants of CIS access and use had a statistical significance of log‐likelihood at 1% (Wald Chi‐square = 45.2, P = 0.001), indicating a high explanatory power. The selection model revealed that age and off‐farm income significantly reduced the likelihood of accessing CIS, whereas; mobile ownership and male‐headed households increased the likelihood of accessing it. Age, female‐headed households and farm size had decreased the likelihood of using CIS, whereas mixed farming, radio ownership and access to herbicide enhanced the likelihood of utilizing it. This study, therefore, recommends intensive awareness creation and improving the delivery of diverse and reliable CIS to enhance agricultural productivity and smallholder farmers’ resilience to climate change impacts.