The adoption of blockchain-based food traceability systems among smallholder farmers in the Western Cape

Abstract

In modern agricultural supply chain management, the importance of ensuring food safety and preserving farmers' livelihoods is important. This study explored the barriers to the adoption of blockchain traceability technology, with a specific focus on enhancing food traceability within farming communities located in the Western Cape. Despite the prospective merits of blockchain technology, ranging from improving supply chain efficiency to guaranteeing food safety, its implementation in the agricultural sector has remained limited. Using a qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 small-scale farmers. The data were analysed through thematic analysis framed by the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT3). Findings indicate that adoption is primarily hindered by high costs, technical complexity, and infrastructural gaps, yet driven by the strong performance expectancy of better market access and price transparency. The study also found that successful implementation hinges on peer-led training, user-centric design integrating familiar tools, and strong facilitating conditions. It is anticipated that the insights from this study will provide valuable contributions to the dialogue on integrating blockchain traceability into agricultural supply chains and may encourage a shift towards improved food traceability in Western Cape farming communities.