Abstract

Food security is a pressing challenge across Nigeria. It is even more severe in rural communities where poor infrastructures, insecurity and lack of access to agricultural innovations impede farm productivity. This study attempted to explore the influence of the Àgbẹ̀ Afokoṣọrọ̀ agricultural development radio programme on food production and food security in Ogun state, Nigeria. It is aimed at investigating the programme’s role in knowledge creation, information dissemination to farmers and utilization of innovative information for improved agricultural yield.  Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), In-depth Interviews (IDIs), and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), were used to gather data from programme producers, extension officers and rural farmers across Ogun State. It was revealed that Àgbẹ̀ Afokoṣọrọ̀ provided vital information on modern agricultural practices, such as improved crop varieties, fertilizer application, pest management procedures, post-harvest handling processes and linkage to markets. The programme served as a complementary platform to extension services by bridging information gaps, motivating farmers to better performance and influencing behavioral changes towards improved productivity. However, challenges such as limited access to electricity in rural communities, affordability of radio batteries and restricted programme reach due to technical hindrances constrained wider effectiveness. Radio remains a powerful grassroots communication tool for mobilizing farmers, for enhancing knowledge transfer and for strengthening food security initiatives in rural communities in Ogun State.

Key Words: Food security, Àgbẹ̀ Afokoṣọrọ̀ radio programme, Ogun State, Nigeria

About the Authors

* Olusola Olajide Isola, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor and Director of the Institute for Peace and Strategic Studies, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria. He is an expert in Strategic Communication, Peace and Security Studies. He is a fellow of the Woodrow Wilson Centre, Washington DC, USA

** Olugbenga Samuel Oyeleye, Ph.D., is a researcher and a Permanent Secretary in the services of Ogun State Government, Nigeria

^JCMR Journal of Communication and Media Research, Vol. 18, No. 1, April 2026, pp. 159-169.

© Association of Media and Communication Researchers of Nigeria (AMCRON).

Article Citation

Isola, O. O. & Oyeleye, O. S. (2026). An exploration of the influence of agbe afokosoro radio programme on farmers’ productivity and food security in Ogun State, Nigeria. Journal of Communication and Media Research, 18 (1): 159-169.

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