Blockchain-Based Traceability System From the Users’ Perspective: A Case Study of Thai Coffee Supply Chain

Abstract

We explored the use of blockchain technology for traceability to improve the safety and value of food, focusing on the coffee supply chain as a case study. The main goal was to evaluate the feasibility in terms of design, perceived benefits, and challenges of applying blockchain and traceability from the users' perspective. We implemented a prototype using a user-centered iterative interface design. Then we used the prototype to answer our research questions in mixed-method research, including in-depth interviews (10 participants) and a survey (350 participants) with stakeholders in the coffee supply chain in Thailand. The results showed that timeline-based design was preferred over map-based or text-based design for the visualization of traceability information and that blockchain was a promising technology, as 67% of the survey participants saw a positive influence of blockchain on the adoption of applications. The most notable benefits were origin checking and increasing product trustworthiness. The most notable challenges were inaccurate or incomplete information and the disclosure of trade secrets. More work is required to address the challenges for everyone in the supply chain ecosystem to adopt the proposed traceability system, including (1) providing trustworthiness and completeness of information by cross-checking with third parties or other users, (2) protecting sensitive information by aligning users' interests or allowing control of information disclosure, and (3) educating and giving producers the motivation for the difficulty and the extra work.

The potential for blockchain to improve small-scale agri-food business’ supply chain resilience: a systematic review

“…Efficiency gains materialise through blockchain’s streamlined processes for traceability, while the sector’s overall resilience is enhanced. Transparency translates into informed decision-making, enabling businesses to adapt and respond effectively to challenges and changing circumstances (Tharatipyakul et al. , 2022).…”

“…To answer RQ3, this study found certain challenges that affect the implementation of blockchain technology despite the benefits highlighted. These challenges include concern over trade secrets disclosures (Rogerson and Parry, 2020; Tharatipyakul et al. , 2022), incomplete or inaccurate information (Tharatipyakul et al.…”

“…These challenges include concern over trade secrets disclosures (Rogerson and Parry, 2020; Tharatipyakul et al. , 2022), incomplete or inaccurate information (Tharatipyakul et al. , 2022) and economic and technical challenges (Compagnucci et al.…”

“…Efficiency gains materialise through blockchain's streamlined processes for traceability, while the sector's overall resilience is enhanced. Transparency translates into informed decision-making, enabling businesses to adapt and respond effectively to challenges and changing circumstances (Tharatipyakul et al, 2022). Furthermore, by utilising the potential of blockchain, many marginalised small-scale agri-food businesses unable to enter international markets can connect directly with buyers through developing small clusters, and also retaining more of the value at farm level, a key target with the delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (Chandan et al, 2023).…”

“…Key challenges identified in this review that limit the implementation of blockchain and other distributed ledger technologies (DLTs) for small agri-food businesses include concerns over trade and business secrets disclosures (Rogerson and Parry, 2020; Rejeb et al. , 2020, Tharatipyakul et al. , 2022), incomplete or inaccurate information (Tharatipyakul et al.…”