Farmers in Benin face significant challenges adapting to climate variability, which impacts agricultural productivity. Despite advances in forecasting technology, farmers often lack localized and actionable weather information. Local researchers demonstrated that integrating ICT-enabled climate services with targeted farmer support can significantly improve resilience.
The study evaluated three policy options: maintaining the status quo, providing personalized support through periodic farm visits, or offering ICT-based services via a call center. Results showed ICT-based services (Option 2) had the greatest impact, improving farmers’ access to weather forecasts, productivity, and profits.
To ensure widespread benefits, policymakers should:
- Offer precise, village-specific weather forecasts via SMS.
- Train farmers in using these forecasts effectively.
- Establish permanent technical support through call centers.
These solutions underscore the potential of climate services to enhance resilience and productivity for farmers in Benin while addressing climate change impacts.
Find out more about the research methods, findings and policy recommendations in the following PEP publications:
