Author:
Ogbaki A. G., Igyuve A.

Doi: 10.26480/csmj.02.2025.45.49

This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited

This article assesses how the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) influences anti-GMO (genetically modified organism) activities through its communication strategies. Guided by the Diffusion of Innovations Theory and the Risk Communication Model the study uses a mixed-methods design. A census survey of 347 NBMA staff and stakeholder representatives (93 % response rate) is supplemented with six key-informant interviews and three focus-group discussions. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively; qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. Findings show that although NBMA employs multiple channels such as social media, workshops, and public forums, only 27 % of respondents believe these efforts have reduced anti-GMO resistance, and 40 % feel myths remain largely unaddressed. Language barriers, limited rural penetration, and insufficient real-time engagement impede message effectiveness. The article concludes that NBMA’s strategies are only partially successful and recommends culturally tailored, two-way, grassroots communication, capacity-building for communicators, and strengthened media partnerships.