Introduction As urban populations rapidly increase, cities face heightened challenges surrounding food security and sustainable agricultural development. These urban areas must find ways to integrate innovative agricultural practices that ensure food security for growing populations. Effective communication is a vital tool in this process, allowing policymakers, urban planners and agricultural organizations to communicate crucial information to the public and stakeholders. This study examines how various communication methods contribute to promoting agricultural innovation and food security in urban environments. It delves into the strategies used to ensure that urban communities understand and adopt new agricultural techniques. The primary objective of this study is to explore the role of communication in enhancing food security and agricultural innovation within urban areas. It seeks to identify which communication strategies effectively promote the adoption of innovative farming techniques and the role of communication in connecting urban residents to sustainable agriculture practices. By understanding how urban planners and policymakers communicate their agricultural initiatives, the study will offer insights into the potential improvements that can be made in these strategies. This study should answer the following questions: how do urban planners and policymakers communicate food security initiatives to urban residents? what role do media and digital tools play in promoting sustainable agricultural practices in cities? and What communication strategies are most effective in engaging diverse urban communities in agricultural innovation? Methodology This study adopts a qualitative research methodology, including multiple case studies of urban areas with active food security and agricultural innovation programs. Data collection will involve semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders; urban planners, agricultural experts and policymakers. Additionally, the study will gather feedback through focus group discussions with urban residents involved in or impacted by these initiatives. Document analysis of communication materials (public service announcements, social media campaigns, printed outreach materials) will also be performed to assess the effectiveness and reach of different communication strategies. Results and discussion Preliminary findings indicate that communication in urban agriculture initiatives must be tailored to the specific needs of various demographic groups, especially in culturally diverse urban centres. Public engagement is highest when communication is clear, uses appropriate media platforms and is accessible to non-expert audiences. There is a strong preference for hybrid communication strategies that combine traditional methods (like community meetings and printed flyers) with digital tools (social media and mobile apps). Furthermore, trust and credibility in the sources of information; such as government agencies and media outlets are crucial in fostering community participation. Conclusion The study suggests that the role of communication in urban food security and agricultural innovation cannot be overstated. Urban planners and policymakers must invest in creating clear, targeted communication strategies that promote public awareness and engagement with agricultural innovations. As food security challenges continue to grow in urban areas, effective communication will be key in ensuring that sustainable agricultural practices are widely adopted. This study also contributes to the understanding of how communication can support the broader goals of sustainable development and urban resilience, especially in terms of addressing food insecurity. Keywords: Food Security, Urban Agriculture, Communication Strategies, Agricultural Innovation, Sustainable Development, Urban Planning.
Olatunji Temilade Afolasade, Salako Samuel Seun