Patterns of inclusion and exclusion in climate information access through community radio among smallholder farmers in Northern Ghana

Who gets access to climate information and who is left out matters for farmers’ ability to respond to climate risks. This study examined patterns of inclusion and exclusion in climate information access through community radio among smallholder farmers in Northern Ghana. Using a mixed-methods design, data were collected from 1200 farmers through surveys and complemented with key informant interviews. Community radio serves as a multi-dimensional knowledge platform, delivering information on weather, crop management, indigenous knowledge, livestock strategies, and market. Majority of the respondents (58.08%) listening daily to climate-related broadcasts through their personal radios (44.25%) and mobile phones (37.83%). The findings show clear patterns of inclusion and exclusion. Women had lower physical ( p < 0.01), economic and institutional/policy accessibility ( p < 0.05), while larger households experienced lower physical, economic and institutional/policy accessibility ( p < 0.01). Access to credit was negatively associated with all four dimensions ( p < 0.01), whereas extension access influenced physical, economic and institutional/policy accessibility ( p < 0.01). Higher income also influenced physical, economic and institutional/policy accessibility ( p < 0.01). The study recommends strengthening inclusive community radio and extension services by prioritising women and economically disadvantaged farmers and providing climate information through accessible, complementary channels.