The Effect of Blockchain Technology in Enhancing Ethical Sourcing and Supply Chain Transparency: Evidence from The Cocoa and Agricultural Sectors in Ghana

Mohammed Ibrahim; Clement Nangpiire; Detoh Mawuko Winfred; Yussif Fataw

doi:10.51867/ajernet.5.2.6

Authors

Mohammed Ibrahim Bolgatanga Technical University, Ghana
Clement Nangpiire SDD Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies, Ghana
Detoh Mawuko Winfred SDD Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies, Ghana
Yussif Fataw SDD Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies, Ghana

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51867/ajernet.5.2.6

Keywords:

Blockchain, Cocoa and Agricultural Sectors, Ethical Sourcing, Supply Chain, Technology, Transparency

Abstract

This study examines the impact of blockchain technology on ethical sourcing and supply chain transparency in Ghana's cocoa and agriculture industries. Using the Diffusion of Innovation Theory as a framework, the study investigates the adoption and influence of blockchain technology on ethical sourcing practices and supply chain transparency. Regression analysis was conducted using data from 153 firms in the agricultural and cocoa sectors to explore the relationships between blockchain technology usage, ethical sourcing, supply chain transparency, adoption of new technologies, and corporate social responsibility. The results highlight the significant influence of blockchain technology adoption on supply chain transparency and ethical sourcing practices in the cocoa and agricultural sectors. Specifically, companies that utilize blockchain technology tend to have more transparent supply chains and are more likely to engage in ethical sourcing compared to those that do not. Moreover, there is evidence suggesting that the use of technology, particularly blockchain, is a strong predictor of increased transparency, with positive correlations observed across all industries. These findings illustrate the potential of blockchain technology to enhance ethical sourcing methods and supply chain transparency in Ghana's cocoa and agriculture industries. It is recommended that both public and private corporations consider investing in technology adoption, particularly blockchain technology, as it has the potential to improve ethical sourcing practices.

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Author Biographies

Mohammed Ibrahim, Bolgatanga Technical University, Ghana

Mohammed Ibrahim possess an MPhil in Logistics and Supply Chain Management from KNUST, and an Assistant Lecturer at Bolgatanga Technical University, Department of Procurement and Logistics Management. Areas of research interest include inventory management, supply chain management, risk management, and procurement management.

Clement Nangpiire, SDD Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies, Ghana

Clement Nangpiire (PhD) is currently a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Procurement and `Supply Chain Management at the SD-Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (SDD-UBIDS) Wa. He holds a PhD in Marketing and Strategy degree from the University of Minho-Portugal, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from Maastricht School of Management in the Netherlands. Before then, he obtained a Bachelor's degree from the University of Ghana-Legon and holds a Diploma in Marketing from the University College of Management Studies-Ghana. His research interests are in Marketing and Supply Chain Management, focusing on value co-creation, customer engagement, supply chain processes, market orientation, innovation and entrepreneurship, public sector marketing, hospitality and tourism marketing, internal marketing, political marketing, digital/social media marketing, and sharing economy.

Detoh Mawuko Winfred, SDD Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies, Ghana

Detoh Mawuko Winfred is currently a PhD student pursuing Procurement and Supply Chain Management at SD Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies, Ghana. Areas of research interest include inventory management, supply chain management, risk management, and procurement management.

Yussif Fataw, SDD Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies, Ghana

Yussif Fataw is a lecturer at the department of procurement and supply chain management at SD Dombo University of Business and integrated development Studies and a PhD student in procurement and supply chain management at SD Dombo University of Business and integrated development Studies. His research interests are procurement, supply chain, climate change, and supply chain risk management.

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