Does the use of climate information contribute to climate change adaptation? Evidence from Ghana

Abstract

This study examines how the use of climate information affects climate change adaptation measure adopted by household heads, using data collected from the Upper West region of Ghana. By estimating a recursive bivariate probit model, we show that the use of climate information has no significant impact on the adoption of a climate change adaptation measure. Household heads’ decision to adopt a climate change adaptation measure is positively and significantly affected by household size, membership in the farmer-based organization and their perceptions on climate variability. Household heads’ decision to use climate information is mainly driven by their marital status, access to extension services, perceptions on climate variability and TV ownership. Our findings highlight the importance of facilitating the formations of farmer-based organizations and increasing the farmer-to-extension ratio to facilitate the use of climate information and the design of climate change adaptation interventions.