Chapter One — 1.1 Background to the Study

Organizations that depend on agricultural supply chain management are under increasing pressure to modernize, and Blockchain Technology has emerged as one of the more promising avenues for doing so, given its demonstrated impact in related domains.

Despite this potential, many existing agricultural supply chain management were not originally designed with blockchain technology in mind, resulting in persistent gaps in real-time monitoring capability that limit their overall effectiveness. This study examines how Blockchain Technology can be applied to help close that gap.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Current agricultural supply chain management in many organizations struggle with inadequate real-time monitoring capability, often relying on manual processes or outdated architectures that were not designed for today's operating environment. Without a structured approach to integrating blockchain technology, these limitations are likely to persist, exposing organizations to inefficiency, risk, and a poor user experience. This study is motivated by the need to design and evaluate a blockchain technology-based approach to addressing this problem.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

1. To design and implement a blockchain technology-based approach to improving real-time monitoring capability in agricultural supply chain management.
2. To evaluate the effectiveness of Blockchain Technology in enhancing real-time monitoring capability within agricultural supply chain management.
3. To identify the key requirements and constraints relevant to deploying blockchain technology in this context.
4. To assess user and stakeholder perception of the resulting system.

1.4 Research Questions

1. How can blockchain technology be applied to improve real-time monitoring capability in agricultural supply chain management?
2. How effective is Blockchain Technology at enhancing real-time monitoring capability within agricultural supply chain management?
3. What requirements and constraints are relevant to deploying blockchain technology in this context?
4. How do users and stakeholders perceive the resulting system?

1.5 Significance of the Study

This study is significant to software developers and system architects seeking practical guidance on applying Blockchain Technology within agricultural supply chain management. It is equally relevant to organizations that rely on these systems, offering a reference point for evaluating whether such an investment is justified, and it adds to the growing body of work on blockchain technology applications in software technology / IT.

1.6 Scope of the Study

The study is limited to the design, implementation, and evaluation of a blockchain technology-based approach to improving real-time monitoring capability within agricultural supply chain management. Reflecting its clearly defined scope, it does not extend to a full commercial rollout or long-term post-implementation review beyond the study period.