SYSTEMATIC REVIEW article
Front. Clim.
Sec. Climate Services
Gender Dynamics in Climate Information Services: A Systematic Review of Intersectional Influences and Strategies for Smallholder Farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa
Provisionally accepted
SALMA KHATIBU*
Gasper Kissoka*- University of Dodoma, Dodoma, Tanzania
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Introduction: The adoption of Climate Information Services (CIS) in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is critical for enhancing agricultural resilience amid escalating climate variability, yet equitable access remains hindered by systemic gender disparities and insufficient attention to intersectional factors. This review examines the dynamics in gender-responsive CIS adoption and use, emphasizing the neglect of intersecting social dimensions, which exacerbate barriers for marginalized women. Methodology: A systematic review of peer-reviewed literature was conducted, focusing on studies addressing CIS adoption in SSA from 2014 to 2024. Sources were drawn from databases such as Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, CABI Abstracts, and Africa Portal. Qualitative and quantitative studies were analyzed to assess methodological approaches. Key Findings: Although gender is widely addressed in the reviewed literature, only 4 of the 19 studies (21%) explicitly analyzed more than one intersecting identity category. This demonstrates a substantial gap in intersectional evidence within CIS researchThe review reveals that the literature often overlooks intersectional factors, limiting understanding of compounded barriers faced by women who are constrained by asset scarcity and social exclusion. Resource barriers, such as limited access to mobile phones and radios, are acknowledged, but cost-effectiveness evidence cost-effective analysis of interventions like subsidized technologies are scarce. The lack of gender-disaggregated data hinders tailored CIS design. Recommendations: Future research should prioritize in-depth, qualitative studies to explore how intersecting identities shape CIS access, employing participatory methods to capture cultural and social dynamics. These strategies aim to bridge gender gaps, enhance climate resilience, formulate gender inclusive policies and foster sustainable agricultural development in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Keywords: climate adaptation, Climate information services (CIS), gender dynamics, gender-responsive policies in CIS, Intersectionality, Smallholder farmers, sub-Saharan Africa
Received: 07 Aug 2025; Accepted: 27 Nov 2025.
Copyright: © 2025 KHATIBU and Kissoka. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
* Correspondence:
SALMA KHATIBU
Gasper Kissoka
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