An evaluation of the effectiveness of climate services on farmer preparedness for climate events in Zambia

Climate change is posing risks to rain-fed agriculture in Zambia, necessitating timely and reliable Climate Information Services (CIS) to enhance farmer preparedness. This study evaluates the effectiveness of CIS in improving maize productivity among smallholder farmers, using data from 1,356 househ...

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Autores principales: Moyo, M., Mpofu, N., Dube, T., Mutenje, M., Kakwasha, K.
Formato: Informe técnico
Lenguaje:Inglés
Publicado: 2025
Materias:
Acceso en línea:https://hdl.handle.net/10568/177990
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author Moyo, M.
Mpofu, N.
Dube, T.
Mutenje, M.
Kakwasha, K.
author_browse Dube, T.
Kakwasha, K.
Moyo, M.
Mpofu, N.
Mutenje, M.
author_facet Moyo, M.
Mpofu, N.
Dube, T.
Mutenje, M.
Kakwasha, K.
author_sort Moyo, M.
collection Repository of Agricultural Research Outputs (CGSpace)
description Climate change is posing risks to rain-fed agriculture in Zambia, necessitating timely and reliable Climate Information Services (CIS) to enhance farmer preparedness. This study evaluates the effectiveness of CIS in improving maize productivity among smallholder farmers, using data from 1,356 households across nine districts under the AICCRA programme. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining household surveys and focus group discussions. Propensity Score Matching (PSM) was used to evaluate the effects of access to CIS on yield for maize. Results show that forecasts for rainfall onset and seasonal conditions were the most accessed and used CIS types, leading to early planting and variety selection. However, uptake of advice related to pest outbreaks and extreme events remained low due to financial constraints, late dissemination, and limited trust. Gender disparities were evident, with male household heads accessing CIS more than spouses or children. The study concludes that CIS access positively influences preparedness and adaptive practices, but effectiveness is shaped by socio-economic factors. It recommends strengthening CIS delivery through inclusive communication channels, timely dissemination, and integration with extension services and financial support mechanisms to improve uptake and impact.
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spelling CGSpace1779902025-11-19T02:05:20Z An evaluation of the effectiveness of climate services on farmer preparedness for climate events in Zambia Moyo, M. Mpofu, N. Dube, T. Mutenje, M. Kakwasha, K. climate services climate change adaptation forecasting gender equality Climate change is posing risks to rain-fed agriculture in Zambia, necessitating timely and reliable Climate Information Services (CIS) to enhance farmer preparedness. This study evaluates the effectiveness of CIS in improving maize productivity among smallholder farmers, using data from 1,356 households across nine districts under the AICCRA programme. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining household surveys and focus group discussions. Propensity Score Matching (PSM) was used to evaluate the effects of access to CIS on yield for maize. Results show that forecasts for rainfall onset and seasonal conditions were the most accessed and used CIS types, leading to early planting and variety selection. However, uptake of advice related to pest outbreaks and extreme events remained low due to financial constraints, late dissemination, and limited trust. Gender disparities were evident, with male household heads accessing CIS more than spouses or children. The study concludes that CIS access positively influences preparedness and adaptive practices, but effectiveness is shaped by socio-economic factors. It recommends strengthening CIS delivery through inclusive communication channels, timely dissemination, and integration with extension services and financial support mechanisms to improve uptake and impact. 2025-11 2025-11-18T12:12:15Z 2025-11-18T12:12:15Z Report https://hdl.handle.net/10568/177990 en Limited Access application/pdf Moyo, M., Mpofu, N., Dube, T., Mutenje, M. y Kakwasha, K. 2025. An Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Climate Services on Farmer Preparedness for Climate Events in Zambia. AICCRA Report. Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA).
spellingShingle climate services
climate change adaptation
forecasting
gender equality
Moyo, M.
Mpofu, N.
Dube, T.
Mutenje, M.
Kakwasha, K.
An evaluation of the effectiveness of climate services on farmer preparedness for climate events in Zambia
title An evaluation of the effectiveness of climate services on farmer preparedness for climate events in Zambia
title_full An evaluation of the effectiveness of climate services on farmer preparedness for climate events in Zambia
title_fullStr An evaluation of the effectiveness of climate services on farmer preparedness for climate events in Zambia
title_full_unstemmed An evaluation of the effectiveness of climate services on farmer preparedness for climate events in Zambia
title_short An evaluation of the effectiveness of climate services on farmer preparedness for climate events in Zambia
title_sort evaluation of the effectiveness of climate services on farmer preparedness for climate events in zambia
topic climate services
climate change adaptation
forecasting
gender equality
url https://hdl.handle.net/10568/177990
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