| Sumario: | Strengthening gender and Social Inclusion (GSI) in climate information services (CIS) is essential for building local resilience and enabling equitable adaptation. Within the collaborative framework of AGRHYMET, AICCRA, and FSRP, a study was initiated to identify the specific needs of women, youth, and other vulnerable groups in the production, dissemination, and use of climate information across West Africa and the Sahel. Based on the findings of this study, this InfoNote provides evidence-based insights and recommendations to support the development and delivery of more inclusive, gender-responsive, and equitable CIS in West and Central Africa and beyond. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study combined quantitative and qualitative techniques to capture diverse user perspectives along the climate
information chain. Data was collected in eight FRSP countries, including three AICCRA focus countries, through a KoboCollect questionnaire administered to 239 climate information users, 42 focus group discussions that involved about 420 participants, and 24 key informant interviews with climate information producers (16) and disseminators (8). Despite high awareness of climate information, access and usability remain uneven across gender, age, and literacy levels due to weak infrastructure, language barriers, and limited inclusivity, leaving rural women, non-literate users, and persons with disabilities (PWD) particularly underserved. Different social groups have distinct needs: women prefer local-language and evening
broadcasts for accessibility; youth favor digital platforms linked to training and green jobs; PWD require adapted formats and logistical support; and rural, non-literate communities rely on community-based, oral, and visual communication methods for collective understanding. Building inclusive climate services requires sustained coordination among producers, disseminators, and users. Key priorities include strengthening the rural communication infrastructure, localizing information in accessible languages and formats, empowering community intermediaries, and fostering institutional partnerships and sustainable financing to ensure equitable access throughout West Africa and the Sahel.
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