Decentralized responses to the challenges of climate change rely on citizens prioritizing adaptation actions. But in rural developing contexts climate knowledge and demand remain low. We consider whether strengthening the mechanisms for information sharing and deliberation in local communities can bolster the local political processes underlying climate adaptation. Through an experimental intervention in 14 rural villages in Bihar, India, we analyze how participation in a deliberative village meeting focused on climate change shapes climate-related knowledge, attitudes, demands and the capacity to organize collectively. Our analysis also uncovers whether women, typically disconnected from information networks but disproportionately affected, are more responsive, and whether providing women’s-only meetings are more effective. The results point to the challenges of mobilizing local political support for climate adaptation.