Development of a Blockchain-Based Traceability System for Fresh Produce Supply Chains

Thesis Abstract

The integrity and transparency of fresh produce supply chains are critically compromised by challenges related to product traceability, leading to safety risks, economic losses, and diminished consumer trust. Despite the increasing adoption of digital tools in agriculture and logistics, current traceability systems often suffer from issues of data falsification, lack of decentralization, and limited interoperability. This study aims to develop a robust, transparent, and secure blockchain-based traceability system tailored to the complexities of fresh produce supply chains. The specific objectives include designing a blockchain architecture suitable for farmers, distributors, retailers, and consumers; evaluating the system’s ability to enhance traceability accuracy; assessing stakeholder acceptance and usability; and identifying technological and operational bottlenecks through empirical analysis. The research adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques to systematically evaluate the proposed system. The population encompasses 150 stakeholders across a typical supply chain network, including smallholder farmers, logistics managers, retail managers, and consumers, selected through stratified random sampling to ensure representativeness. Data collection instruments comprise structured questionnaires to measure perceptions of system usability and transparency, semi-structured interview guides for in-depth stakeholder insights, and system usage logs to monitor operational performance over a three-month pilot implementation. Validity and reliability of the questionnaires were established through expert review and Cronbach’s alpha testing, respectively, with the system’s technical performance analyzed using descriptive statistics, regression analysis, and ANOVA to determine factors influencing traceability improvements and stakeholder acceptance. Expected findings indicate that the blockchain-based system will significantly improve traceability accuracy, reduce data falsification incidents, and foster greater consumer confidence by providing real-time, immutable product histories. The analysis is anticipated to reveal positive correlations between system usability, stakeholder trust, and supply chain efficiency, with regression models identifying key predictors of successful adoption. The thematic analysis of interview data is expected to uncover technological barriers such as scalability issues, interoperability challenges, and concerns relating to data privacy, alongside operational hurdles like training needs and resistance to change. This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by providing a comprehensive framework for implementing blockchain technology in agricultural supply chains, specifically tailored to fresh produce logistics. It advances understanding of stakeholder perceptions and system efficacy in real-world settings, filling gaps related to empirical validation and practical design considerations. The developed model offers a replicable blueprint for policymakers and supply chain practitioners aiming to enhance transparency and safety through ICT solutions. The main conclusion underscores that a carefully designed blockchain system can substantially address key traceability challenges, supporting food safety assurance and enabling supply chain resilience. It recommends policy interventions to promote adoption, capacity-building initiatives for stakeholders, and further research into integrating emerging technologies such as IoT and AI for enhanced predictive and autonomous supply chain management. Additionally, future studies should explore scalability in larger networks and the potential of decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) to further democratize supply chain governance. Overall, the findings advocate for the integration of blockchain technology as a strategic enabler for sustainable and transparent food systems globally.