Highlighted publication in Nature Climate Change

Smallholder farmers in developing countries are one of the populations most vulnerable to climate variability and extreme events. Climate Information Services (CIS) are increasingly regarded as an important option for agricultural adaptation. CIS compiles climate and weather information, translates it into user-friendly products and supports farmers’ decision-making. It is crucial to understand how to develop effective CIS and the extent to which farmers will accept it.

Spyridon Paparrizos of Wageningen University & Research, the Netherlands, and colleagues initiated the WATERAPPS project and co-developed it with farmers in Khulna District, Bangladesh, to build resilience to climate variability. Furthermore, the researchers examine the farmer’ willingness to pay (WTP) for CIS. With the contingent valuation method, they find that local farmers are willing to pay 971–1,387 taka (1 USD = 85 taka). Notably, farmers previously exposed to CIS development and training are more willing to pay for such products. The researchers suggest that the government and private and social entrepreneurs should all actively work with farmers to improve their capacity to better use CIS. They will upscale the services so that they are available to all of Bangladesh (https://doi.org/10.1038/s41558-021-01144-0).

For the original article, please see https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cliser.2021.100241