Abstract

Understanding the psychological and behavioral factors that influence smallholder farmers’ decisions is crucial for promoting sustainable agriculture in the context of climate change in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Smallholder farming systems are the backbone of the agricultural sector in SSA and are crucial for sustaining rural communities, securing food and nutrition, and preserving the environment. However, these systems are particularly prone to the effects of climate fluctuations and long-term shifts in climate. While much research has been directed towards agronomic techniques, livestock care, technological progress, and economic challenges, there is a noticeable gap in understanding the psychological influences on farmers' adaptive and sustainability-focused behaviors. This theoretical paper synthesizes interdisciplinary evidence from psychology, behavioral economics, and agricultural development to explore the cognitive and behavioral determinants of sustainable smallholder agriculture in the context of climate change (CC). Specifically, it examines how risk perception, climate beliefs, cognitive biases, social norms, identity, motivation, experiential learning, and perceived self-efficacy influence decision-making processes related to climate adaptation and the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices. The review identifies both enabling psychological drivers and behavioral barriers that affect sustainable land management, crop and livestock productivity, and the long-term resilience of the system. Building on this synthesis, this study introduces an integrative framework that connects individual cognitive and behavioral processes to broader sociocultural, institutional, and structural contexts. The framework clarifies the pathways through which behaviorally informed policies, extension systems, and climate communication strategies can enhance adaptive capacity and sustainability. By identifying theoretical gaps and research priorities, this study advances the emerging field of agricultural behavioral science and emphasizes the importance of incorporating psychological insights into climate-resilient development strategies for sub-Saharan African smallholders.