Facilitating climate change adaptation among smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa: the role of communication science in knowledge transfer and empowerment

Smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) face intensifying climate threats. Despite available scientific knowledge and adaptive technologies, persistent communication breakdown prevents these resources from reaching vulnerable communities. This paper presents a critical narrative review examining how communicating science (CS), through participatory, multi-channel, and culturally grounded approaches, may strengthen adaptive capacity among SSA smallholder farmers. Grounded in participatory science communication, diffusion of innovations, and social learning theory, the review draws on literature published between 2000 and 2025, with foundational theoretical texts included regardless of date. It is explicitly selective and interpretive rather than exhaustive, reflecting the authors’ perspective and purpose. Geographic coverage is weighted toward Anglophone SSA, particularly Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and Ethiopia, with Francophone and Lusophone Africa underrepresented in the evidence base. It synthesizes evidence on CS channels, community radio, farmer field schools, and mobile advisory services, identifying key barriers, enabling conditions, and gender dimensions shaping effectiveness. The review advances a four-pillar CS model emphasizing participatory assessment, multi-channel communication, capacity building, and advocacy. Evidence indicates climate services enhance knowledge, co-production, and community agency, though outcomes vary by context. Addressing power, inclusion, and cost concerns, the study argues for mainstreaming climate services to strengthen locally driven adaptation.