Managing food security using blockchain-enabled traceability system

PurposeFood insecurity is a major concern for developing economies. Operational inadequacies get introduced with unorganized interactions among stakeholders in the food supply chain, affecting social, economic, environmental and operational (SEEO) aspects of a nation. This study analyzes India'...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Benchmarking : an international journal 2024-01, Vol.31 (1), p.53-74
Main Authors: Gupta, Rachita, Shankar, Ravi
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Blockchain
Control systems
COVID-19
Criteria
Cryptography
Economic analysis
Economic development
Food security
Food supply
Hunger
Literature reviews
Malnutrition
Pandemics
Perception
Prices
Security systems
Supply chains
Sustainability
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Summary:PurposeFood insecurity is a major concern for developing economies. Operational inadequacies get introduced with unorganized interactions among stakeholders in the food supply chain, affecting social, economic, environmental and operational (SEEO) aspects of a nation. This study analyzes India's largest food safety net program, Public Distribution System (PDS) and develops a perception-based model, mapping the root causes (of food insecurity) with possible solutions. The novelty lies in leveraging blockchain in the implementation of food traceability system.Design/methodology/approachSoft system methodology (SSM) is used to identify and analyze problems in PDS, leveraging the learning and inquiry process. It relies on system thinking and action research to create a defendable and rational model, which helps in proposing recommendations for addressing the problem.FindingsBlockchain-enabled food traceability system increases transparency, thus enabling the fulfillment of basic food necessities for beneficiaries.Practical implicationsThe proposed model enables policymakers to build a profound understanding of existing operational issues and provides insightful recommendations for making informed decisions to deal with the grave issue of food insecurity.Originality/valueUnlike previous studies, this research attempts to understand operational inefficiencies during interactions among stakeholders. It proposes a perception-based conceptual model for the final implementation at the ground level. It also reveals significance of three systems: a delivery system, an enabling system empowering delivery system and a criteria system to control and monitor processes. This study thus bridges an important gap in the literature by proposing a blockchain-driven traceability system, under the control of criteria system, through the integration of system-thinking and action-research approach.
ISSN:1463-5771
1758-4094
DOI:10.1108/BIJ-01-2022-0029