Farmers' awareness of emerging technologies: An inquiry into application of blockchain technology in cocoa bean food supply chain (CBFSC) in Ghana

Cocoa production is known of its crucial role towards food security and economy. Just as other cash crops, cocoa also generates income as well as offers direct or indirect employment to majority of people. Ghana as the second leading producer of cocoa beans has been earmarked as 2019 world's fastest growing economy by IMF in its World Economic Outlook. That notwithstanding, the key giants in cocoa business, Ghana, is lagging behind as far as the application of emerging technology such as blockchain is concern. This research examined farmers' awareness and the use of emerging technologies in cocoa supply chains to increase transparency and traceability. The main objective of this study was to determine the effect of blockchain application technology in cocoa bean food supply chain. In the process, the study evaluated the extent to which cocoa farmers are aware of the existence of emerging technologies and how blockchain technology contribute towards addressing unethical issues in cocoa production. To achieve these objectives, a secondary source of data was analysed from various related sources. Combination of both quantitative (questionnaire) and qualitative (interview) methods were used to investigate into blockchain technology application in CBFSC. Findings from the study established that farmers of cocoa beans were aware of emerging technologies. The research also found that blockchain technology is quite effective in cocoa beans food supply chains and has contributed positively in curbing rampant unethical activities in cocoa beans supply chain through ensuring transparency and traceability. Keywords: blockchain technology, cocoa beans, emerging technology, food supply chain, traceability, transparency