Agentic AI Adoption and Agribusiness Project Efficiency in Bamenda, Northwest Region of Cameroon: The Moderating Role of Leadership Adroitness

This study examines the influence of generative artificial intelligence adoption on agribusiness project efficiency within Bamenda, Northwest Region of Cameroon, with particular attention to the moderating role of leadership adroitness. An explanatory sequential mixed-methods design was employed, integrating quantitative survey data from 278 agribusiness project managers and team members with qualitative insights from semi-structured interviews with 12 purposively selected organisational leaders. The quantitative phase tested hypothesised direct and moderated relationships using hierarchical regression modelling, while the qualitative phase employed thematic analysis to explain and elaborate the quantitative findings. The integration of both strands occurred at the design, methods and interpretation levels. The findings reveal that generative AI adoption exerts a statistically significant positive influence on agribusiness project efficiency. Furthermore, leadership adroitness demonstrates a significant moderating effect, indicating that the relationship between generative AI adoption and project efficiency is strengthened when leaders exhibit higher levels of visionary thinking, strategic planning, team building, decision-making and emotional intelligence. The study concludes that technological adoption alone is insufficient; rather, the synergistic interaction between generative AI capabilities and leadership competencies is essential for optimising agribusiness project outcomes in resource-constrained environments. Recommendations are offered for capacity building among agribusiness leaders and the development of context-sensitive AI implementation strategies. These findings contribute to the emerging literature on AI adoption in African agribusiness contexts and offer practical implications for organisations navigating technological transformation amid sociopolitical volatility.