The Influence of Climate Information Services on Climate-Smart Agricultural Investment Decisions among Smallholder Maize Farmers in Northern Ghana

Climate change poses significant threats to agricultural productivity in Africa particularly in regions that are dependent on rainfed agriculture. Despite the critical role of climate Information Services (CIS) in promoting adaptive practices, there is limited understanding of their impact on investment in Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA). This study addresses this knowledge gap by examining how different sources of CIS influence smallholder maize farmers' decisions to invest in CSA practices. Using a cross-sectional survey of 566 maize-producing households across five districts in Northern Ghana, we employ descriptive statistics, the Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and a binary logit model to identify key determinants of CSA investment. The findings revealed that frequent access to daily and seasonal weather forecasts, as well as indigenous weather predictions significantly influences farmers' willingness to invest in CSA practices. Critical factors driving these decisions include maize farm size, level of commercialisation, gender, farm income and extension service visits. The results demonstrate that improving the accuracy and accessibility of CIS through traditional media, mobile platforms, and community engagement can significantly enhance investment in CSA. The key policy recommendations include promoting gender inclusivity, integrating indigenous knowledge with scientific forecasts, and expanding access to financial and advisory support. These are critical for promoting resilience and sustainability among maize-producing households in northern Ghana.