• We assessed the intellectual structure that enhanced the cognizance of blockchain in food security. • Emergent keywords (Q4) remain imperative, even in the early stages of blockchain advancement. • We employed the “Multiple Correspondence Analysis” approach to identify future research areas. • We developed a conceptual framework focusing on key indicators, stakeholders and adoption drivers. • The study discerns AI, Big Data and Data Analytics as novel research areas in food security. Blockchain technology can enhance sustainable food security because of its distinct characteristics such as traceability, decentralized and unchangeable databases, and smart contract protocols. Nevertheless, blockchain technology in agricultural applications is still in the early stages of development. Therefore, this study aims to ascertain the efficiency and cognitive framework of blockchain technology for attaining long-term food security. This study used a review-based approach to ascertain the intellectual framework. A literature search was conducted using the "Scopus" database to locate research articles published between 2017 and 2023. A “systematic literature review” was performed using the PRISMA framework on the 52 eligible publications. The study results indicated that traceability, real-time information availability, and immutably distributed databases were the most influential factors. The results showed that blockchain technology has benefits beyond facilitating reliable data dissemination and establishing intimate bonds between manufacturers and clients. Furthermore, blockchain technology may pave the way for less food waste, improved supply chains and agricultural working environments, and more environmentally responsible eating practices. This study is the first of its kind to assess the intellectual structure of food security and augment the cognition of the in-depth examination of the benefits of blockchain technology that might ultimately provide a way to achieve zero-hunger goals.
Andrews Tang, Eric Tutu Tchao, Andrew Selasi Agbemenu, Eliel Keelson · 6 authors
This review paper delves into the global agricultural food supply chains through the lens of African perspectives, examining the role of blockchain and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies in transforming food traceability. It assesses the applicability and efficacy of these innovations in addressing critical issues such as food fraud, contamination, and systemic inefficiencies from an African viewpoint. By engaging in an in-depth analysis of relevant studies, this work dissects the technical, economic, legal, and operational facets of employing blockchain and IoT in the agri-food sector. The findings illuminate the transformative potential these technologies hold for enhancing food safety and transparency across supply chains. However, the review also brings to light significant hurdles related to scalability, cost-effectiveness, and regulatory frameworks that must be surmounted. Advocating for a context-sensitive application of blockchain and IoT, the paper highlights the importance of adapting these technologies to fit the diverse socio-economic and infrastructural realities prevalent in African countries. Offering valuable insights to stakeholders in agricultural technology and food safety, this comprehensive review outlines a roadmap for future research and strategic implementation efforts aimed at leveraging blockchain and IoT for the development of secure, sustainable food systems.
Sulagna Roy, Pankaj R. Kaushik, Pradeep Sangwan, Sunil Herat
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play a critical role in addressing solid waste management (SWM) challenges in remote mountain communities, including the ecologically fragile Himalayan region. This study evaluates the impact of Healing Himalayas, an NGO, in Rakchham village, Himachal Pradesh, India. The objectives were to evaluate the effectiveness of Healing Himalayas' decentralized SWM model in promoting stakeholder engagement and resource recovery, assess the role of collaborations between local authorities and the NGO in financing waste management practices, investigate the influence of tourism and seasonal variations on solid waste generation patterns and waste management practices in Rakchham, and material recovery facilities, followed by glass (36.7%), paper/cardboard (18.4%) and metal (4.1%). A fee-based system involving the local village council funded waste operations. Waste generation exhibited significant seasonal fluctuations, with tourism influxes driving increased volumes. Healing Himalayas' initiatives promoted community participation, with over 15 awareness workshops conducted. Key challenges included limited financial resources, inadequate infrastructure, lack of advanced treatment facilities and need for context-specific solutions like efficient wet waste management in cold climates. The study highlights Healing Himalayas' decentralized model's success in fostering stakeholder engagement, behavioural change and resource recovery. The findings inform effective strategies for NGO-led waste management initiatives tailored to remote Himalayan communities.
The agri-food system plays a critical role in meeting global food demand, with traceability and food safety becoming key priorities for producers and consumers. Consumer trust, influenced by perceptions of food safety, quality and origin, has been declining due to the complexity of the food supply chain. Blockchain technology (BCT) has emerged as a promising solution to increase transparency, ensure data immutability, and improve food safety and quality. This study employs a systematic literature review methodology to analyze consumer perceptions of BCT in the agri-food sector. Using the PRISMA method, articles from Scopus®, Web of Science®, and PubMed® were reviewed, focusing on publications from 2019 to 2023. A total of 34 relevant studies were identified and examined to determine the key factors influencing consumer acceptance of BCT-tracked foods. Results indicate that trust, ngness to pay, perception of traceability, perceived risk and perceived safety are critical variables influencing consumer perceptions of BCT. Trust in BCT is supported by its ability to ensure data integrity and transparency, which significantly influences consumer behavior and adoption intentions. Consumers' willingness to pay for BCT-tracked products is influenced by their awareness and understanding of the benefits of BCT in improving food safety. In addition, BCT's potential to reduce perceived risk and improve supply chain transparency further enhances consumer trust. In conclusion, promoting consumer confidence through transparent information provided by BCT is essential for its widespread adoption in the agri-food sector. In order to educate consumers about the benefits of BCT and promote greater acceptance, the study recommends targeted communication strategies. Future research should focus on real-world applications and consumer education to further validate the impact of BCT on improving food safety and trust.
This study explores the recycling of Waste Cooking Oil (WCO) in the UK, analysing the recycling models and practices, and investigating the application of blockchain technology (BCT) from Z company’s Southern European project to UK’s WCO recycling. Employing a multi-method qualitative approach, including unstructured and semi-structured interviews, the research delves into the experiences of current WCO recycling methods in the UK and Z company’s project. Through thematic analysis of both primary data and archival data, the study identifies seven distinct recycling models in the UK and assesses the implementation of BCT using the Technology, Organization, and Environment (TOE) framework. The research underscores the current state of WCO recycling in the UK, highlighting the industry’s challenges and providing recommendations for future implementation. Its significance lies in addressing the academic gap in WCO recycling studies and offering insights into recycling models and BCT application, potentially guiding future commercial endeavours.
Patrick Burgess, Funlade Sunmola, Sigrid Wertheim‐Heck
The growing demand for transparency in sustainable food production creates a challenge for supply chains to meet the diverse information needs of stakeholders. This research addresses this challenge by identifying and prioritising information needs within sustainable food supply chains. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study identified 14 information needs, categorised them into three clusters: a) product and quality details information, b) production and processing information, and c) sustainability information, and prioritised the information needs. Experts highly prioritised information needs on quality and safety, followed by product origin and nutrition/ingredients. The research suggests that blockchain technology can play a role in supporting consumer decision-making. These findings can inform the development of information-sharing systems that enhance transparency and support consumer decision-making in sustainable food supply chains.
This study addresses significant concerns highlighted by the European Parliament regarding the decline of the Italian tomato processing industry, which possess a threat to Italy’s culinary heritage and global market position. This research offers a solution that leverages blockchain technology to enhance transparency, traceability and operational efficiency within the tomato supply chain. By integrating Solidity, Remix IDE, MetaMask wallet and Sepolia Testnet, our proposed model establishes a robust blockchain-based smart-contract system. This system actively engages cultivators, wholesalers, retailers and end-users facilitating seamless real-time updates across the entire supply chain. Implementing this model in key tomato-producing regions such as Apulia, utilizing platforms like Mainnet or Hyperledger Fabric, aims to stabilize the industry. Furthermore, this study promotes automating smart contracts, integrating IoT devices and developing decentralized applications (DApps). This strategy ensures transparency for end-users, enhances organic food availability and mitigates contamination risks. This study also recommends government involvement to upgrade transportation and storage facilities, aiming to reduce post-harvest losses. This research establishes the groundwork for the sustainable management of the Italian tomato processing industry.
Peter Sasitharan Gandhi Maniam, Nirmal Acharya, Anne-Marie Sassenberg, Jeffrey Soar
Blockchain technology (BCT) is emerging as a key enabler of sustainability in various sectors, including agriculture. This study explores the impact of BCT adoption on sustainability within the Australian agriculture sector. Through a systematic literature review (SLR) of studies published between 2015 and 2021, ten key themes influencing BCT adoption were identified: transparency, traceability, contract exchange, transaction efficiency, trade finance management, quality control, real-time information dissemination, security, trust, and legislative frameworks. The findings suggest that BCT adoption in agriculture can lead to improved sustainability outcomes. By enhancing transparency and traceability, BCT enables stakeholders to track the provenance of products, reducing the risk of fraud and ensuring compliance with environmental standards. The automation and efficiency gains afforded by BCT streamline supply chain processes, reducing waste and resource consumption. BCT enhances trust among stakeholders, fostering collaboration and information sharing to address sustainability challenges. This study contributes to the literature by highlighting how BCT can drive sustainability in agriculture through improved transparency, efficiency, and collaboration.
Haya R. Hasan, Ahmad Musamih, Khaled Salah, Raja Jayaraman · 7 authors
Current conventional agricultural practices have exacerbated the depletion of soil, loss of biodiversity, and intensified the substantial challenges of food security including monoculture dependence, resource intensiveness, access and distribution issues. This has raised consumers awareness towards monitoring the resources of their food consumption. Nevertheless, greenwashing and deceptive food labels are prevalent leading to sales of items with misaligned labels, underpinning the need to authenticate, trace, and track the agricultural supply chain from the farm to shop. Consumers should be able to select fresh produce and verify its origin through a transparent, trustworthy, accountable, and reliable process. This paper introduces a blockchain-based solution that leverages intrinsic features of this innovative and disruptive technology to harness transparency, reliability, authenticity, and accountability within an agricultural supply chain. Additionally, our solution eliminates misleading food labels on fresh produce by enabling consumers to reliably trace and verify the origin and authenticity of the food source in a transparent manner. Through the integration of the Internet of Things (IoT), the well-being of the soil, air, and crops is consistently monitored. The sustainable solutions employed are transparent, aligning with the standards set by various sustainable food certifications and agencies, including organic, non-Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO), and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP). The paper presents detailed algorithms that represent the smart contract code, sequence diagrams along with testing results and security analysis. The smart contract code is made publicly available on GitHub.
Ashkan Pakseresht, Sina Ahmadi Kaliji, Karin Hakelius
Blockchain is seen as a disruptive fundamental technology that will transform agri-food sectors in the near future. Blockchain is a digital, immutable, decentralized ledger of transactions that is replicated and distributed throughout the chain of computer systems on the blockchain’s network. This systematic review examines the literature to identify the enabling characteristics of blockchain technology that support its application in the agri-food sectors. The literature reviewed indicated essential characteristics such as transparency, immutability, redundancy, versatility, automation, and remittance. Among these features, immutability and automation have a salient role in the current implementation, particularly in food traceability. However, the application of blockchain in the agri-food sector is not without controversies. More research is needed regarding technical improvement and its environmental impact.
Vedant Sharma, Anitha Palakshappa, Syed Adil Naqvi
The work highlights exploring the usage of blockchain technology for enhancing traceability in agricultural supply chain management.The aim is to develop a secure and transparent system, which improves the easy tracking and tracing of agricultural products from the point of origin until it reaches the end consumer.Currently, Blockchain is a technology, which provides security in various fields of transactions.The work utilizes to improve supply chain efficiency, increase transparency and accountability, and enhance consumer trust in the agricultural products.The system will utilize smart contracts to automate processes and ensure compliance with regulations and standards, which improves supply chain efficiency.Smart contracts enable agreement between two parties present in the supply chain.Further, the financial transactions can be improved with the help of block chain.Additional, the work will also provide recommendations for companies and organizations looking to implement blockchain-based results in their supply chain management.The work implements an application using ganache, solidity and truffle.Ethereum block chain is used as primary infrastructure for the application.Smart contracts generated using solidity is deployed into Ethereum network using truffle.The deployment of the application in agricultural sectors improves the accountability in the field of the supply chain.The deployment in a wider range will avoid manipulation of the data.Agricultural supply chain tracing website involves the use of several tools and technologies, including Ganache, Solidity, and Truffle.The system uses the Ethereum blockchain as the underlying infrastructure to store and manage supply chain data securely and transparently.The smart contracts in the supply chain tracing system are generated using Solidity and deployed to the Ethereum network using Truffle.
Marios Vasileiou, Leonidas Sotirios Kyrgiakos, Christina Kleisiari, Paolo Prosperi · 10 authors
Abstract Within food Supply Chains (SCs), food products labeled through Geographical Indications (GIs) hold paramount importance as distinctive and culturally significant entities, ensuring the integrity and distinctiveness of regional specialties. By strictly regulating the geographic origin and production methods, the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) not only guarantees the preservation of traditional practices but also safeguards the cultural legacy and identity of the regions where genuine PDO products are produced. However, the very mechanisms safeguarding PDO authenticity can be exploited within globalized food systems, creating opportunities for fraudulent activities and intentional or unintentional adulteration. This study specifically delves into the overarching realm of PDO SCs, using PDO Feta cheese as a prominent case study. Through an assessment of Feta cheese SC in Greece, encompassing the Delphi Technique with the amalgamation of the design stages of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), Vulnerabilities Assessment and Critical Control Point (VACCP), and Threat Assessment and Critical Control Point (TACCP) methodologies, the operations, vulnerabilities, and critical control points are scrutinized. The results indicate multifaceted vulnerabilities and Critical Control Points (CCPs) in the Feta cheese SC that need to be addressed and constitute a precursor for augmenting PDO SCs. Moreover, the utilization of Blockchain Technology (BT) exhibits intrinsic potential for enhancing the administration of supply chains with the potential to fundamentally transform data management practices and foster increased levels of trust among stakeholders.
The agri-food sector has come under increasing pressure to increase safety standards. Both consumers and expert authorities are demanding that the agri-food chain implement higher levels of traceability and transparency to make the system less susceptible to fraud and to ensure higher quality. These needs have become even more pressing following food scandals that occurred in the 2000s. Recent European policies have supported the growth of technological and digital innovations in firms, recognizing that digitization has a strategic role to play in modernizing the agri-food sector and moving toward ecological transition. This paper aims to verify whether blockchain’s cutting-edge technology can provide effective technical and strategic support to the agri-food system in achieving the aforementioned goals. A total of 123 articles underwent descriptive analysis and network analysis focusing on the topic of blockchain in the agri-food context. The methods used were the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) protocol and VOSviewer software. The results highlight the growing importance of (and increased interest in) blockchain and its functionality when applied to the agri-food sector.
Food supply chain (FSC) is an important part of the food supply chain. It is essential to establish food supply chains that are open to the public, accountable for their actions, and available in real time. The development of blockchain technology has led to an increase in the amount of data that is passed between customers and businesses, as well as the data that are passed between them. Blockchain technology is a new type of information technology that has the ability to be decentralized, safe, and trusted, which makes it an excellent option for storing sensitive data. The purpose of this study is to evaluate how blockchain with deep learning is used to find the quality evaluation of food supply chain technology. The use of BC has improved the accuracy of food traceability, while the utilization of Deep Random Forest (DRF) has boosted the efficacy of computing and shortened the reaction time. The research compares the quality evaluation system that is based on BC-DRF with some of the most common existing methods in terms of accuracy, reaction time, and sensitivity, when applied to a variety of block sizes.
The rise in the cost of essentials affects every nation around the world, but it has become a major concern for developing nations. It is getting increasingly difficult to keep up with rising prices for everyday items in these countries, where the majority of the population is from the middle class or lower middle class. Inflation, pandemics, wars, and other important variables all contribute to price increases. There may be another significant factor at play, which is supply-chain corruption. The supply chain's unreliable, chaotic, and opaque nature is to blame for this corruption. We are concentrating on the agri-food supply chain in our study. Because many of the current agri-food supply chains are intricate and challenging to monitor, dishonest parties can exploit the situation. Therefore, we suggested a thorough blockchain-based agri-food supply chain to identify the source of price increases. The private Ethereum blockchain was used in the suggested system. Since the private Ethereum blockchain is more efficient, safe, and fast, it was chosen. Smart contracts were created to describe the system and its underlying rules and laws. Furthermore, in order to showcase the usefulness of our smart contracts, we exhibited a sample decentralized application to support our hypothesis. We also gave the system a complete security and vulnerability assessment to make sure it is operating properly and is protected from threats and attacks. Due to the use of blockchain, the system is immutable, transparent, and simple to track and monitor. The proposed system has demonstrated greater transparency, traceability, reliability, speed, security, and cost-efficiency compared to conventional systems. It effectively traces the origin of corruption in the supply chain, providing a more straightforward means to tackle concerns related to price hikes.
Soraya González-Mendes, Sara Alonso‐Muñoz, Fernando E. García‐Muiña, Rocío González Sánchez
Purpose This paper aims to provide an overview of the application of blockchain to agri-food supply chains, including key issues and trends. It examines the state of the art and conceptual structure of the field and proposes an agenda to guide future research. Design/methodology/approach This article performs a bibliometric analysis using VOSviewer software on a sample of 205 articles from the WoS database to identify research trend topics. Findings The number of publications in this area has increased since 2020, which shows a growing research interest. The research hotspots are related to the integration of blockchain technology in the agri-food supply chain for traceability, coordination between all actors involved, transparency of operations and improvement of food safety. Furthermore, this is linked to sustainability and the achievement of the sustainable development gtoals (SDGs), while addressing key challenges in the implementation of blockchain-based technologies in the agri-food supply chain. Practical implications The application of blockchain in the agri-food supply chain may consider four key aspects. Firstly, the implementation of blockchain can improve the traceability of food products. Secondly, this technology supports sustainability issues and could avoid disruptions in the agri-food supply chain. Third, blockchain improves food quality and safety control throughout the supply chain. Fourthly, the findings show that regulation is needed to improve trust between stakeholders. Originality/value The paper provides a comprehensive overview of the blockchain phenomenon in the agri-food supply chain by optimising the search criteria. Moreover, it serves to bridge to future research by identifying gaps in the field.
Diana-Cezara Toader, Corina Rădulescu, Cezar Toader
Against a backdrop of globalization, dynamic shifts in consumer demand, and climate change impact, the intricacies of agri-food supply chains have become increasingly convoluted, necessitating innovative measures to guarantee agri-food security and authenticity. Blockchain technology emerges as a promising solution, offering transparency, immutability, traceability, and efficiency in the overall supply chain. This study aims to investigate determinants impacting both the intention to use and the actual usage of blockchain-driven agri-food supply chain platforms. To achieve this, an expanded and adapted conceptual model rooted in the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) was formulated and empirically examined through Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling using data from 175 respondents from agri-food companies across eight European countries. Agri-Food Supply Chain Partner Preparedness (FSCPP) emerged as the pivotal factor with the highest degree of influence on the intention to use blockchain-driven supply chain platforms. Additionally, the results from this study offer support for the significant influence of Performance Expectancy (PE), Effort Expectancy (EE), and Perceived Trust (PT) on usage intention, while also revealing the positive impact of Organizational Blockchain Readiness (OBR) on expected Usage Behavior (UB). This study provides significant insights into blockchain adoption within agri-food supply chains, contributing to the existing literature through an extended UTAUT framework.
Purpose Blockchain technology (BCT) has emerged as a powerful tool for enhancing transparency and trust. However, the relationship between the benefits of BCT and agri-food supply chain performance (AFSCperf) remains underexplored. Therefore, the current study investigates the influence of BCT on AFSCperf and sustainability issues. Design/methodology/approach Through a comprehensive literature review, various benefits of BCT are identified. Subsequently, a research framework is proposed based on data collected from questionnaire surveys and personal visits to professionals in the agri-food industry. The proposed framework is validated using partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). Findings The findings reveal that BCT positively impacts AFSCperf by improving traceability, transparency, food safety and quality, immutability and trust. Additionally, BCT adoption enhances stakeholder collaboration, provides a decentralised network, improves data accessibility and yields a better return on investment, resulting in the overall improvement in AFSCperf and socio-economic sustainability. Practical implications This study offers valuable practical insights for practitioners and academicians, establishing empirical links between the benefits of BCT and AFSCperf and providing a deeper understanding of BCT adoption. Originality/value Stakeholders, managers, policymakers and technology providers can leverage these findings to optimise the benefits of BCT in enhancing AFSCperf. Moreover, it utilises rigorous theoretical and empirical approaches, drawing on a multidisciplinary perspective encompassing food operations and supply chain literature, public policy, information technology, strategy, organisational theory and sustainability.
Abdulrahman A. Alshdadi, Souad Kamel, Eesa Alsolami, Miltiadis D. Lytras · 5 authors
Cold supply chains are becoming more and more attractive due to the high demand induced by increased consumption. To fulfill standards and customers’ requirements regarding the conditions under which cold supply chain products (mainly foods and pharmaceuticals) are stored (in warehouses) and transported to the end-users, tracking those conditions is a necessity. To ensure a high level of visibility, fostering emerging technologies can improve the quality of service in supply chains in terms of delivery time, cost, and quality. In this paper, a global framework for monitoring the conditions of storage and transportation of cold products across the whole supply chain is designed and implemented practically. The proposed solution is built around low-cost and low-energy consumption devices such as sensors and microcontrollers which are connected to cloud storage to allow a high level of visibility in the supply chain allowing all parties, including the end-consumers, to follow the products during their transfer, providing a conceptual framework that monitors the performance on a real-time basis and enhances decision making. A prototype using an embedded temperature/humidity sensor, a tiny microcontroller equipped with a Wi-Fi connectivity device, and a mobile 4G/5G network is designed and implemented. The proposed system is connected to a cloud-storage platform continuously accessible by the main parties of the cold supply chain including the provider, the transporter, and the end-consumer. The proposed framework may be handled as a smart contract during which any party can assume its responsibility for the assurance of the best conditions of the supply chain operation. A small-scale real-life scenario conducted in Jeddah City, Saudi Arabia is introduced to show the feasibility of the proposed framework.
Mengting Yu, Ludovica Principato, Marco Formentini, Giovanni Mattia · 7 authors
Food insecurity and food surplus are two pressing issues that have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper presents a novel approach to addressing these problems using blockchain technology. More specifically, data from the Italian Regusto platform are analysed to identify factors that determine the volume and economic value of surplus food redistribution. From a methodological statistical perspective, the performance of Stepwise Multiple Linear Regression and Random Forest are compared in a blockchain data analysis. The effective machine-learning-based analysis reveals that the Regusto platform gives people greater access to the surplus food redistributed by non-profit organisations and suppliers through both donations and sales. The study also highlights the potential effects of redistributing surplus food on the beneficiaries' diets and health and we find that redistributing surplus food can reduce household food insecurity among low-income families and communities measured by food poverty and COVID-19 indexes at different spatial locations. Overall, by offering a unique perspective on these issues through the lens of blockchain technology, our study can inspire further research on how this technology can ensure everyone has enough affordable, nutritious food to lead healthy lives.
Osato Itohan Oriekhoe, Bamidele Segun Ilugbusi, Olawale Adisa
This concept paper explores the integration of blockchain technology into food supply chains to enhance global food safety. In recent years, food safety has become a critical concern worldwide, with frequent outbreaks of foodborne illnesses and contamination incidents. Traditional supply chain systems often lack transparency, traceability, and efficiency, leading to challenges in identifying the source of contamination and preventing its spread. Blockchain technology offers a promising solution to these challenges by providing a decentralized, immutable, and transparent ledger system. By recording each transaction and transfer of food products on a blockchain, stakeholders can trace the journey of food items from farm to fork in real-time. This enables rapid identification of contaminated products, facilitating targeted recalls and reducing the scope and impact of foodborne illness outbreaks. Key benefits of integrating blockchain technology into food supply chains include enhanced transparency, increased trust among consumers, improved efficiency in recalls and audits, and opportunities for process optimization and cost reduction. However, successful implementation requires collaboration among stakeholders, investment in infrastructure, and addressing technical and regulatory challenges. This concept paper outlines a strategic framework for implementing blockchain technology in food supply chains, including stakeholder engagement, pilot testing, scalability considerations, and regulatory compliance. By leveraging blockchain technology, we can ensure greater food safety, protect public health, and strengthen confidence in the global food supply chain. Keywords: Food Safety, Blockchain, Technology, Supply.
Ayesha Hakim, Sundus Shafique, Mubashir Mehdi, Irfan Ahmad Baig
Globally, the mango industry is one of the largest industrial sectors – also considered the backbone industry of the country’s agriculture sector. This sector mobilizes key industrial activities of many economies, such as agriculture, production, handling, storage, logistics, certification, and packing of a variety of mangoes (e.g., with over 1,500 varieties, of which at least 30 are grown commercially in Pakistan). From local, regional, and national, to international levels, many businesses in this sector are involved in extensive mango supply networks fulfilling the demands of many consumers and markets (e.g., B2B, B2C, etc.) locally worldwide. Currently, 43% of total farmers in Pakistan are smallholder farmers, as they possess less than 2.6 hectares of land. Intermediaries dominate the entire supply chain in Pakistan, due to which small to average farmers face several challenges. This can be avoided by developing a user-friendly system to link farmers directly to the market or consumers. The proposed system identifies the gaps in the process model of Pakistan’s mango supply chain system. It creates a platform to link farmers directly to the market or consumers through a seamless online system using blockchain technology for performing reliable transactions using smart contracts. The proposed system is implemented through Ethereum, a permissioned blockchain network using Smart Contracts. It is a distributed ledger accessible to participants of the supply chain with permission to ensure the trust and authenticity of the information. By using this system, the farmers will attain increased profit through direct access to retailers, consumers, and the international market.
Alessandro Petrontino, Michel Frem, Vincenzo Fucilli, Emanuela Tria · 6 authors
Introduction Pasta is a key product in Italy’s agri-food industry, consumed due to its ease of preparation, nutritional richness, and cultural importance. Evolving consumer awareness has prompted adaptations in the pasta market, to address concerns about social, environmental, quality, and food safety issues. This study examines Italian consumers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for pasta in local markets, analysing their behaviours and preferences. Methods For this purpose, we used a discrete choice experiment (DCE) technique combined with a latent variable model. We also collected 397 valid online questionnaires. Results and Discussion The results reveal an interest utility among all respondents to pay a price premium of €1.16, €0.82, €0.62, €0.41, and €0.36 for 500 g of pasta, for the use of blockchain/QR code (BC) technology on the label, providing data on credence attributes such as safety, environmental and social sustainability as well as business innovative practices, respectively. As such, this research has private and public implications. On one hand, this research may bridge the scarcity in studies regarding consumer preferences and WTP for BC in the pasta value chain, preventing agricultural frauds, ensuring the sustainability and quality of agri-food products like pasta, and protecting and educating consumers through clear and transparent information. On the other hand, this research may incentivise pasta businesses to meet social and environmental consumers’ demands while simultaneously enhancing their financial performance.
Dating back thousands of years, agriculture has been an essential practice in the advancement of human civilization. Over time, humans realized that not everyone in the community needed to be involved in food production, leading to the emergence of specialized labour, tools, and techniques that could generate surplus food for the community. Throughout history, agriculture has continuously evolved and played a crucial role in sustaining humanity.As the population grew, the evolution of agriculture became driven by the need to feed the expanding population while maintaining food quality and traceability, preventing adulteration of products, and maximizing yield. The recent emergence of blockchain technology has brought about significant advancements that prove beneficial for the agricultural sector. The implementation of blockchain has led to benefits and revolutionary changes in agriculture, facilitating modernization and optimization in various aspects of agriculture.This research survey also deals on how blockchain technology has positively influenced different market aspects within agriculture. From the production stage to distribution and beyond, blockchain has made its impact felt, enhancing various aspects of the agricultural. Despite its promising benefits, the adoption of blockchain in agriculture is not without challenges. This study also explores these challenges and discusses the potential future developments in the field.Overall, the survey highlights how blockchain technology has become a driving force in revolutionizing agriculture, offering improved traceability, transparency, and efficiency across the entire agricultural supply chain.Research objectives1.Blockchain-Based Applications for Addressing Agricultural Challenges: Exploring Potential Solutions2.Blockchain for Supply Chain Management in Agriculture: A Promising Approach for Ensuring Food Safety and Security3.Revolutionizing Agricultural Transactions: The Power of Blockchain-Enabled Smart Contracts4.Enhancing Agriculture with Blockchain in AI, IoT, and Big Data: A Powerful Integration5.Benefits and Challenges of Blockchain Technology in Agriculture: A Comprehensive Analysis