Constructing A Climate-Smart readiness index for smallholder farmers: The case of prioritized bundles of climate information services and climate smart agriculture in Ghana

• DOI: 10.1016/j.cliser.2024.100453
• Publication Date: 2024-02-22T20:35:25Z
• Authors: Osman Tahidu Damba; Collins Odhiambo ...; Fred Kizito; Powell Mponela; Stephen Yeboah; Victor Attuquaye ...; Birgitta Adoma Op...; Jules Bayala; Faustina Obeng Ad...; Mustapha Alasan D...; Francisca Martey; Sophia Huyer; Robert Zougmore; Ghislain Tepa-Yotto; Manuele Tamò
• Keywords: Information Services; Social sciences (General); H1-99; Prioritization; Agricultural Technology Bundles; Meteorology. Climatology; One-Health; QC851-999; Climate-Smart Readiness Index

Issues around bundling of climate smart agriculture (CSA) and information services (CIS) have been kept relatively distinct whereas in reality, they are more impactful when integrated. Using the case Accelerating Impacts CGIAR Climate Change Research Africa (AICCRA) Project that emphasizes as a critical component research development, six regions Ghana were purposively selected based on identified value chain crops for implementation. 120 respondents including practicing farmers advisors reference, rated contributions 21 innovations to 25 smartness indicators. These include gender, youth social inclusion (GSI), enabling environment (EE), ability enhance soil, water, crop animal health (One-Health Achievement) (OHA), end-user friendliness (EUF) (CS) prioritization, ultimately construct Smart Readiness Index (CSRI). There was high level concordance between ratings Smartness; moderate OHA lower GSI. The CS EUF had significant same agreement among while EE substantial advisors. elements (CS, GSI, OHA, EUF, EE) formed an integral part CSRI confirmed by Fornell-Larcker Heterotrait-Monotrait criteria. While fundamental factor determining farmers, considered important informs policy makers agricultural practitioners appropriate CSA CIS practices generate evidence farmer preparedness context resilience, productivity, adaptation, mitigation.