The role of agricultural extension services in shaping agrochemicals safety behaviour among pineapple farmers in Ghana’s inclusive agroecology transition

Ghana’s pineapple industry significantly contributes to national economic growth, but heightened agrochemical use poses a serious health and environmental risk. The study investigates the drivers of safe agrochemicals use behaviour among pineapple farmers in the Central and Eastern Regions of Ghana, with particular attention on how agricultural extension services shape this behaviour within the framework of inclusive agroecology. Using a multi-stage sampling technique, 301 farmers were surveyed via structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). Key finding include: farmers’ attitude explained 26% of the variance in intention to adopt safety behaviour while intention accounted for 21% of the variance in actual safety behaviour. Surprisingly, extension services showed no direct effect on intention and actual behaviour in the model. Most farmers (59.1%) accessed safety information via processing companies and extension agents. The mean farming experience was 11.16 ± 8.20 years, and the average age was 42.52 ± 15.02 years. Given these results, policymakers, especially the Directorate of Agricultural Extension Services at the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, should re-evaluate training programmes and collaborate more closely with processing firms to improve safety practices among pineapple farmers. The findings provide evidence on how extension systems can support progress towards Sustainable Development Goals related to health, responsible production, and ecosystem protection. The study highlights the need for revised extension approaches that more effectively translate knowledge and attitude into behaviour in agroecological transitions.