Climate information services (CIS) play a crucial role in climate adaptation strategies by mitigating climate-related risks and assisting smallholder farmers in their decision-making. This study explored the current status of CIS and the factors affecting its utilization among smallholder farmers in the Sidama region of Ethiopia. A mixed-methods approach was used, which included household surveys, focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and field observations. Multi-sampling techniques were utilized to select woredas, kebeles, and households, with three woredas chosen purposively based on agro-ecological criteria and six kebeles selected through simple random sampling. A systematic random sampling method was applied to gather data from 384 households. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics, qualitatively analysis, chi-square tests, and a binary logistic regression model. The results indicated a moderate overall status of CIS in the study area, with 50.8% of farmers having access to these services, though utilization of CIS was low only 33.9% actively utilized them. The primary sources of CIS included agricultural extension officers, radio, television, mobile phones, peer farmers, and village leaders. Access to and use of climate information services (CIS) differ considerably among the agro-ecological zones. In the Kolla zone, around 39.6% of households make use of CIS, whereas the Woinadega zone has a lower engagement rate of 36.9%, and the Dega zone trails further behind, with only 18.9% of households utilizing these services. The study reveals that climate information services (CIS) significantly enhance farm management decisions among smallholder farmers. The main factors determining the utilization of CIS among smallholder farmers included education level, age, size of the farm, availability of credit, access to extension services, weather information, social protection services, income level, market access, and trust in the information provided. To enhance productivity, stakeholders such as the government, meteorological agencies, and agricultural extension services should focus on improving the availability, accessibility, reliability, and utilization of CIS.

This study assessed the climate information services and its determinants among smallholder farmers in Ethiopia’s Sidama region, revealing a significant gap between availability and effective use. While approximately half of the surveyed farmers reported access to CIS, a substantial portion remained disengaged. Key sources identified included agricultural extension agents, broadcast media (radio and television), mobile technologies, and community forums. However, feedback consistently revealed deficiencies in information timeliness and relevance, directly impacting practical application. Furthermore, the fragmented nature of CIS delivery, characterized by poor inter-agency coordination, hampered overall effectiveness. The disparities in access to and utilization of climate information services across the agroecological zones underscore the complexities of effectively supporting farmers in their decision-making processes. While some zones show relatively balanced access, the actual use of these services remains limited, pointing to a significant gap between availability and practical application. This situation reveals the need for targeted interventions that not only improve access to climate information but also enhance farmers’ capacity to utilize it effectively in adapting their agricultural practices to changing climatic conditions. The study identified several factors influencing CIS usage among smallholder farmers. Positive and statistically significant effects were associated with education level, farm size, access to extension services, access to credit, and social capital. These findings suggest that enhancing farmers’ access to complementary resources, such as education,social support programs, and credit, could improve CIS utilization. Conversely, barriers such as limited awareness, low relevance of the information, and ineffective dissemination channels were identified as significant obstacles to effective CIS usage. The study emphasized the importance of social capital, revealing that farmers with stronger social networks were more likely to access and use climate information services. The low utilization of CIS among smallholder farmers in the Sidama region is concerning, especially given their vulnerability to climate variability and change. Without timely and relevant climate information, these farmers struggle to make informed decisions and adapt their agricultural practices to changing conditions. The study’s findings enhance understanding of the current status and determinants of CIS usage in the Sidama region, offering valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders involved in the provision and promotion of climate information services. It underscores the need for a comprehensive and coordinated strategy to improve access, relevance, and utilization of CIS among smallholder farmers.

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