EXPLORING THE POTENTIAL OF AI-DRIVEN SAFETY MANAGEMENT IN TUNISIAS AGRICULTURE SECTOR: TRUST, READINESS, AND BARRIERS TO ADOPTION

The agricultural sector in Tunisia is vital to the national economy, yet it remains a high- risk industry in terms of occupational health and safety (OHS). Workers in this sector face hazards ranging from exposure to pesticides, machinery accidents, and extreme weather conditions. Despite the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in industrial safety management globally, AIs application in agricultural OHS is still in its infancy in Tunisia. This study explores the trust, readiness, and barriers to the adoption of AI- driven safety solutions in Tunisias agricultural sector. Through a survey-based approach, data were collected from workers and managers in the agriculture industry, assessing their perceptions of AI reliability, willingness to integrate AI technologies, and organizational preparedness for adopting AI solutions. The findings reveal critical gaps in AI literacy, cultural factors, and technological infrastructure, with trust in AI being a significant determinant of its adoption. The research offers actionable insights into overcoming barriers to AI integration, potentially transforming safety management practices in Tunisias agriculture sector and providing a roadmap for similar contexts in developing economies.