Factors influencing the behaviour of extension agents towards the adoption of digital technologies in agricultural extension: A Theory of Planned Behaviour Perspective

The study examined the agricultural extension agents’ behaviour towards adopting digital technologies such as mobile applications and the factors influencing their adoption behaviour. The Theory of Planned Behaviour was used as the theoretical framework to evaluate the adoption intention and behaviour of the extension agents. A descriptive survey design was employed to sample 125 extension agents in four administrative regions in Ghana. Data were collected using a questionnaire and analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) v27 and SmartPLS software v 4.0. Frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations, and partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) were used for data analysis. The results indicated that male (91.2%) extension agents dominate their female counterparts with a mean age of 35.67±7.00 years and 8.06±6.53 years of experience. The results of the PLS-SEM also showed that intention and perceived behavioural control (PBC) predicted 62% of the variations in behaviour. In comparison, attitudes and subjective norms (SN) were determinants of 58% of the intention to adopt digital technologies. Extension agents showed positive intention and behaviour regarding adopting digital technologies in discharging agricultural extension advisory services. However, they perceived the use of these tools as complex or challenging. The results of this study highlight the necessity of customized interventions and capacity building programmes that support extension agents in successfully using digital technology.