Introduction This study is on improving food security through agricultural communication channels to enhance farmers' productivity in Abeokuta South. The study population consists of farmers in Abeokuta South. Food security is a critical issue in many developing countries, including Nigeria, where agriculture plays a significant role in the economy. In Southwest Nigeria, a region known for its diverse agricultural production, food security is closely tied to the productivity of smallholder farmers, who constitute the majority of the farming community. To achieve higher agricultural productivity, it is essential to increase food production and effectively disseminate agricultural information. The objectives of this study are to: Identify the agricultural communication channels most commonly used by farmers in Abeokuta South.; Assess the accessibility of these communication channels in delivering agricultural information to farmers and to Identify the challenges hindering effective agricultural information dissemination among farmers in the region. Material and Methods This study was conducted among farmers in Abeokuta South, Ogun State. The population of the study consists of crop farmers in this region. A sample size of 195 farmers was selected using a purposive sampling technique. The research employed a survey design and utilized a questionnaire as the primary research instrument. The Yamane formula was applied to determine the sample size, resulting in a total of 169 respondents. The quantitative data were processed, computed, and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0. Descriptive statistics, including percentages and frequency tables, were used to analyze the data. Results and Discussion The findings showed that radio (X =3.75, SD = 1.70), SMS text (X =3.86, SD = 1.35), agricultural extension agents (X =3.62, SD = 1.61) and television (X =3.34, SD = 1.98) are the agricultural communication channels most commonly used by farmers in Abeokuta South. In addition, accessibility through radio channels, SMS texts and agricultural extension agents in delivering agricultural information are relatively high. Furthermore, the challenges hindering effective agricultural information dissemination among farmers in Abeokuta South include poor network coverage, erratic power supply, and inadequate frequency of visits by agricultural extension agents and high level of illiteracy among farmers. Conclusion This study examines how improving agricultural communication channels can enhance food security and farmers' productivity in Abeokuta South. The findings reveal that farmers primarily utilize radio, SMS text messages, agricultural extension agents, and television for information. This study recommends that: There is need to utilize radio and mobile phones through calls and SMS texting effectively as communication channels; There is need to educate farmers and train them more on technological and digital platforms for effective dissemination of agricultural information. Keywords: Agriculture, Communication channels, Extension agents, Farmers’ productivity, Food Security.
AYOOLA Morayo J., Maria K. OBUN-ANDY