An ensemble design of a cash crops-warehouse receipt system (WRS) based on blockchain smart contracts

Abstract

PurposeWarehouse receipt system (WRS) schemes aim to revitalize the market of cash crops, particularly those of the smallholder farmers. However, the existing government schemes for the smallholder farmers have not been much successful on account of issues related with transparency and trust deficit, thereby limiting farmers' access to credit for their farming activities as channeled via the formal financial institutions. Conceding that blockchain is an emerging technology, this study aims to theoretically posit the potential to optimize WRS in real time to bolster farmers' trust and privacy.Design/methodology/approachThe research bases itself on the design science research (DSR) approach. Using the DSR approach backed by the literature review and evolutionary prototyping, a blockchain-based WRS has been advanced in the study.FindingsThis study provides a design of a digital WRS, which serves as a proof of concept of blockchain technology (BCT) applications in improving transparency in the WRS in the agricultural sector. The findings from this study present the possibility of leveraging blockchain smart contracts to improve the linkages between the WRS stakeholders to promote trust and transparency that would eventually unlock the potentials of WRS schemes. Furthermore, the findings inform decision-makers and practitioners to prioritize the emerging technologies in revamping the classical WRS.Research limitations/implicationsThe study leaves research pointers for implementing BCT in agricultural supply chain and furthering the findings from the present study with an empirical agenda.Originality/valueWhilst research on the BCT applications across myriad sectors abounds, research on the BCT applications to address societal needs is conspicuously limited. Furthermore, research on the practical implementation of the BCT in real-world scenarios is few and far between. The present study seeks to plug these gaps by underlining the application and utility of blockchain in WRS. The study makes a significant contribution to the theory and practice of the agrarian supply chain management, specifically the WRS, by invoking design knowledge obtained through an iterative design process besides serving as an edifice for the integration of emerging technologies, notably BCT in the agricultural sector.

Assessment of Factors for Blockchain Adoption Readiness in Tanzanian Public Healthcare Insurance Sectors: A Case Study of National Health Insurance Fund

“…The present study explores the factors that have impact on adoption readiness of BCT in PHISs. This study contributes to filling an important gap in the academic literature as there are limited studies that have attempted to pinpoint adoption readiness factors for PHIS technology adoption in developing countries, such as Tanzania [11], [34], [62]. Furthermore, the study proposed a new integrated technology adoption framework consisting of DOI, TRI and TOE.…”

“…These factors include relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, top management commitment, costs, market dynamics, competitive pressures, legal support, security, perceived benefits, perceived usefulness, organizational readiness, organizational size, and data governance [31,32]. For the Tanzanian context, few studies have attempted to examine the adoption readiness of blockchain technology in different sectors [15,33,34]. This shows that there are limited research that evaluate factors that have impact on adoption readiness of blockchain technology in the public health insurance sector in Tanzania, necessitating a need to explore this area further.…”

“…It will be easier for an organization to apply blockchain technology to its operations if there is data security confidence [20]. Existing studies have confirmed that the security guarantee provided by the use of blockchain technology has a positive influence on organizations' intention to adopt it [34], [43]. The complexity of technology is associated with the relative difficulties in understanding and using it.…”

Harnessing Emerging Digital Technologies to Promote Equitable, Diverse and Inclusive Supply Chains: A Scoping Review

“…Emerging Digital Technologies (EDTs) offer prospects for addressing the abovementioned challenges to enhance e ciency and productivity in the agricultural sector (Shao, Kombe & Saxena, 2022). These technologies include Arti cial Intelligence (AI), Big data Analytics, the Internet of Things (IoT), and Blockchain Technology (BCT).…”