COVERAGE OF AGRICULTURAL INNOVATIONS AND FOOD SECURITY BY SELECT NATIONAL DAILIES IN NIGERIA

This study examined the coverage of agricultural innovations and food security by three Nigerian national dailies which were Vanguard, The Punch, and Daily Trust newspapers between January 1 and December 31, 2024. The objectives of the study were to investigate the frequency of reportage accorded the issue, assess the prominence given, and identify the major sources of stories, on these issues. One research hypothesis guided the study which was anchored on Agenda Setting and Development Media Theories. Using content analysis, the population of 1,098 editions of the newspapers was examined, from which 252 were sampled through purposive and composite (constructed) week techniques. Data were collected with coding sheet and analysed using frequency tables and simple percentages, and hypotheses tested with Chi-square Goodness of Fit. Findings revealed frequent reportage of agricultural innovations and food security by the three newspapers, with Daily Trust giving more focus to agricultural innovations. Findings also showed that the newspapers accorded high prominence to such stories under investigation. The study concluded that Nigerian national dailies are actively reporting on agricultural innovations and food security but however emphasised on the need for more in-depth and sustained reportage. It was recommended that Nigerian newspapers should accord much priority, in-depth reportage, and editorial focus to enhance awareness, inform readers on the issue and highlight possible solutions and policy implications that will help strengthen agricultural development and food security in Nigeria.