Abstract
This essay provides an overview of the importance, challenges, and opportunities in co-producing ethno-climatological knowledge (ECK) with climate information generated by the National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs). We bridge the gap between ECK holders and NMHSs by recognizing both forms of knowledge and highlighting the importance of transmitting and integrating ECK into agricultural adaptation and policy efforts. We propose a way forward to increase access to and use of readily available climate information. The essay is complemented with examples on climate folklore and presents approaches for the co-production of climate services in the agriculture sector. Throughout the essay, we emphasize the need to create dialogue spaces that build trust, ensure meaningful engagement, and foster mutual understanding where ECK holders are central in the co-production of climate services. The essay also calls for climate services and climate change adaptation actors to acknowledge and respect the unique value of ECK and to inform the ongoing dialogue on the urgency of integrating ECK into climate action.