In many rural regions, internet access remains limited, data costs are high, and electricity unreliable. Yet radio continues to reach farmers, pastoralists and fisherfolk every day. Beyond its role as a communication channel, rural radio functions as an inclusive public interest service that strengthens resilience and supports sustainable agri-food systems, especially in the context of emergency programmes. By providing timely information on weather patterns, crop management, animal health, market dynamics and risk mitigation, radio contributes to informed decision-making and adaptive capacities at community level. As World Radio Day 2026 focuses on Artificial Intelligence and Radio, the most relevant question for rural communities is not whether AI is transformative, but whether it can strengthen the last mile of climate communication.