Areas of Block Chain Technology Application in the Fruit Supply Chain in Makueni County, Kenya

Jacinta Kinyili, Watson Kanuku, Stella Mwawaza

Abstract: The application of blockchain technology in the fruit supply chain in Makueni County, Kenya, presents an opportunity to enhance traceability, food safety, and market access. This study reveals that 74.1% of farmers have at least a secondary-level education, indicating a favorable environment for adopting blockchain solutions. The dominance of fruit farming, with mangoes, oranges, and papaws being the most common, necessitates an efficient tracking system to monitor supply chain movements. Currently, 93.8% of farmers lack formal mechanisms for tracing their produce, and 75.3% are unaware of where their fruits are consumed. Blockchain technology offers a decentralized and immutable system for recording production data, enabling real-time monitoring of fruit origin, handling, and safety compliance. Additionally, inefficient record-keeping remains a challenge, as 84% of farmers still rely on physical books. The study highlights the need for digital training and mobile-based blockchain applications, with 70% of farmers preferring mobile phone access to traceability systems. However, challenges such as inadequate resources, lack of knowledge, and technological constraints must be addressed. By integrating blockchain with mobile applications, government, and agricultural stakeholders can improve supply chain efficiency, ensure compliance with food safety standards, and empower farmers with market intelligence for better economic outcomes.

Keywords: blockchain, transparency, tracking and traceability, fruit products