Communication Theories in Food Systems: A Conceptual Synthesis of Policy, Safety, Security, Sovereignty, and Digital Transformation

Loso Judijanto

doi:10.59890/ijsss.v4i4.316

Authors

Loso Judijanto IPOSS, Jakarta, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59890/ijsss.v4i4.316

Keywords:

Food Communication, Food Systems, Policy Communication Risk Communication, Food Safety, Food Security, Food Sovereignty, Framing, Digital Communication, Participation

Abstract

This article aims to synthesize relevant communication theories and approaches to explain food system dynamics across the domains of policy, food safety, food security, food sovereignty, and digital transformation. The study employs an interpretive-narrative qualitative literature review—rather than a systematic one—involving a purposive search of reputable journal articles published between 2020 and 2026. The literature was analyzed thematically to identify communication mechanisms that recur across these domains. The synthesis reveals four primary mechanisms. First, agenda-setting, framing, and discourse determine the visibility and definition of food-related issues. Second, risk communication and trust shape information acceptance and protective actions regarding food safety. Third, the diffusion of innovations, networking, and participatory communication influence coordination, learning, and adaptive capacity in the context of food security. Fourth, advocacy and rights-based communication shape spaces for voice, representation, and power negotiations within food sovereignty. Digital transformation accelerates information circulation and creates opportunities for collaboration, yet simultaneously heightens risks associated with misinformation, access disparities, and the concentration of platform power. This article proposes an integrative framework for food system communication that positions meaning-making, trust, coordination-adoption, and voice-power as four interconnected functions. The key implication is the need for food communication strategies that are credible, participatory, contextual, adaptive, and equitable

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