Work

Adoption and cost-effectiveness of digital climate advisory services among smallholder rice farming in Myanmar

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This study evaluates the adoption and benefit of Digital Climate Advisory Services (DCAS), provided through the Htwet Toe mobile application (HT), among rice farmers in the Ayeyarwady Region of Myanmar. Despite the growing promotion of DCAS, little is known about how and to what extent smallholder farmers in Asian mega-deltas adopt these tools, particularly how support services and usability influence their adoption. Moreover, studies surrounding DCAS identify cost-effectiveness as a critical knowledge gap. We use probit regression and economic surplus models to investigate adoption determinants and returns on investment across three districts in the Ayeyarwady Region. Adoption of climate advisories was strongly associated with exposure to climate hazards, access to agricultural credit, and usability of the application. Analysis shows a positive net present value and high benefit-cost ratio, highlighting the DCAS' potential to enhance climate resilience in rice production systems. The findings indicate that investing in DCAS is a cost-effective strategy for smallholder rice farmers to adapt to climate change.

Source: Climate Services

DOI: 10.1016/j.cliser.2026.100673