Determinants of the Use of Weather and Seasonal Climate Information Among Smallholder Maize Farmers in Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro, Philippines

Access and use of scientific weather and seasonal climate information are considered valuable decision-making tools in climate change adaptation. Using survey data from a sample of 200 farming households in Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro, this study applied a Fractional Response Model to analyze the factors influencing the use of weather and climate information. Usefulness and reliability of forecast information explained most of the variations of its use, suggesting an increased likelihood in forecast use by 14% and 19%, respectively. Farmers' sex, farm parcel size, and risk attitude are also positively associated with forecast information use, whereas age and reliability of traditional forecasts negatively influenced its use. Effective policies for sustainable agricultural production should consider the need to improve the access and use of weather and seasonal climate information by delivering timely and accurate information that is tailor-fitted to the needs of the farmers. Expansion of information sources and facilitation of access to farm resources should also be prioritized to provide farmers with more opportunities in managing climate risks.