IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/spr/climat/v178y2025i3d10.1007_s10584-025-03892-w.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Identifying and overcoming barriers to climate change adaptation innovations among smallholder farmers in developing countries: a literature review and meta-analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Mahugnon Maxime Obe

    (National University of Agriculture)

  • Cokou Patrice Kpadé

    (Research Unit in Agriculture and Agri-Food, Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue)

  • Alphonse Singbo

    (University Laval)

Abstract

Climate-smart agriculture technologies and innovations (CSATIs) are critical for food security and climate challenges, but face low adoption rates due to region-specific barriers. This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesized evidence from 99 studies (1994–2024) and uses random effects models, correspondence factor analysis, and time-series analysis to identify trends and critical barriers. General agricultural practices dominate research (41.1%), while postharvest management (4.5%) and agricultural processing (4.0%) are under-researched. Socioeconomic, informational, and institutional barriers emerged as the most significant challenges, often linked to financial constraints. Institutional barriers predominate in West Africa, while socioeconomic factors persist in Southern Africa. Financial barriers vary with economic conditions, whereas socioeconomic barriers persist. Technological and biophysical barriers also affect adoption, but receive less attention. Tailored interventions such as subsidized credit, community-driven initiatives, and improved knowledge dissemination are crucial. More research is needed on postharvest management and agricultural processing. Context-specific strategies, including institutional reforms and improved extension services, are essential for greater dissemination of CSATI. Without immediate action, regional disparities will persist, undermining agricultural resilience and food security. Holistic, inclusive approaches are imperative to improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and achieve climate adaptation goals.

Suggested Citation

  • Mahugnon Maxime Obe & Cokou Patrice Kpadé & Alphonse Singbo, 2025. "Identifying and overcoming barriers to climate change adaptation innovations among smallholder farmers in developing countries: a literature review and meta-analysis," Climatic Change, Springer, vol. 178(3), pages 1-26, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:climat:v:178:y:2025:i:3:d:10.1007_s10584-025-03892-w
    DOI: 10.1007/s10584-025-03892-w
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: http://link.springer.com/10.1007/s10584-025-03892-w
    File Function: Abstract
    Download Restriction: Access to the full text of the articles in this series is restricted.
    File URL: https://libkey.io/10.1007/s10584-025-03892-w?utm_source=ideas
    LibKey link: if access is restricted and if your library uses this service, LibKey will redirect you to where you can use your library subscription to access this item
    ---><---

    As the access to this document is restricted, you may want to search for a different version of it.

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:spr:climat:v:178:y:2025:i:3:d:10.1007_s10584-025-03892-w. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    We have no bibliographic references for this item. You can help adding them by using this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Sonal Shukla or Springer Nature Abstracting and Indexing (email available below). General contact details of provider: http://www.springer.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.