Role of Weather and Climate Information Services in Adoption of Climate- Smart Technologies in Africa: A Systematic Review

Abstract

As the threat of climate change to agricultural productivity in Africa remains and exacerbates, the demand for climate-smart technologies (CSTs) to build climate-resilient and sustainable production grows. Weather and Climate Information Services (WCIS) are crucial in supporting farmers’ decision-making. However, existing studies have largely examined WCIS access and uptake of CSTs separately, with limited synthesis on how WCIS influences technology adoption pathways. A systematic literature review (SLR) using PRISMA 2020 guidelines synthesized studies from 2019 to 2026 on WCIS utilization patterns and their associated impacts on CST adoption in Africa. Secondary data or literature were sourced from Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar. Results showed that there has been a significant improvement in access to WCIS, mainly via mobile and radio channels. However, utilization patterns remain uneven, with weather and climate information primarily applied to short-term decision-making such as planting, and less frequently used for long-term farm planning and management. Further, the review indicates that the effects of WCIS on CSTs uptake are moderate and very context-specific. Financial constraints, absence of extension services, institutional capacity weaknesses, and non-incorporation of weather and climate information in decision-making are some of the barriers to CSTs adoption. The study also shows that although WCIS play a pivotal role in the promotion of CSTs, it significantly relies on inclusion of extension services, financial support, and access to inputs. This review highlights critical knowledge gaps and points to the need for user-centered and integrated approaches in understanding mechanisms of climate information and technology uptake.