Blockchain technology for a sustainable agri-food supply chain
ISSN: 0007-070X
Article publication date: 16 March 2021
Issue publication date: 22 October 2021
Abstract
Purpose
The present paper is aimed at 1) performing a systematic literature review (SLR) on applications in the perspective of sustainable agri-food supply chain (SC) of blockchain technology (BCT); 2) analyzing the selected literature, focusing on the advantages of the sustainable uses of the blockchain of the aforementioned SC and 3) presenting an outlook and research directions capable of addressing unresolved problems.
Design/methodology/approach
The SLR was conducted using detailed criteria to identify academic articles. Moreover, specific keywords and databases were used. The time frame considered included the years 2010–2020.
Findings
The review analysis indicates that the use of BCT or BCT supported by ICT/IoT contributes to sustainability of agri-food production. However, this technology can lead to several challenges such as scalability, privacy leakage, high cost and connectivity problems.
Research limitations/implications
The paper demonstrates that BCT can widely use agri-food supply chain due to its intrinsic characteristics. However, it is not excluded that the criteria chosen may not have identified important articles regarding BCT, the agri-food sector and sustainability.
Originality/value
Although the body of academic literature published on this topic is expansive, the effect of BCT on the agri-food SC's sustainability aspects has not yet been adequately analyzed. Thus, the article is aimed at investigating how BCT is used in the SC. In particular, the article is intended to update information about BCT and its impact on sustainability.
Keywords
Citation
Rana, R.L., Tricase, C. and De Cesare, L. (2021), "Blockchain technology for a sustainable agri-food supply chain", British Food Journal, Vol. 123 No. 11, pp. 3471-3485. https://doi.org/10.1108/BFJ-09-2020-0832
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited