Gendered perceptions on climate change and access to information networks: Evidence from farm households in Bihar

Agricultural households in Bihar face increasing exposure to climate variability, yet gender mediates how risks are perceived and how information is accessed. This paper analyses survey data from 2,354 farm households (1,200 female primary respondents and 1,154 male primary respondents) selected through multistage stratified random sampling. Using descriptive statistics and a Response Priority Index (RPI), the study quantifies gender differences in climate awareness, perceived income loss, and informational constraints. Results indicate that women reported higher awareness of floods (55.08% vs. 49.08% for men) and droughts (55.92% vs. 53.58%), while men were more aware of pests (20.25% vs. 15.83%). Women consistently reported greater perceived income losses, with droughts reducing household income by 10.74% compared to 8.04% for men. Large gaps were observed in access to formal information: only 1.59% of women reported contact with extension agents and 5.17% with Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), compared to 41.87% and 44.64% of men, respectively. RPI analysis shows that lack of awareness of formal sources was women’s most binding constraint (79.93% for extension agents), whereas men cited difficulties in access despite presence (27.88%). The findings suggest that gendered barriers to information exacerbate economic vulnerability to climate shocks. Policy should therefore prioritize targeted outreach through women’s self-help groups, improved local presence of KVKs, and quality control of extension delivery are therefore critical to close gender gaps in climate information and inclusive agricultural development.