Determinants of smallholder barley farmers' intentions to adopt blockchain technology: a Technology Acceptance Model approach in Uganda

Introduction Technological change is a mega trend that drives sustainable development in the agrifood sector globally. The introduction of BanQu, a blockchain-enabled platform, aimed to address challenges like lack of transparency, side-selling, and unfair pricing in Uganda's barley value chain, but its acceptance has been slow. While blockchain adoption has thrived in developed countries and large supply chains, empirical evidence on its uptake among smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa, especially Uganda, remains limited. This study investigates determinants of smallholder barley farmers' intentions to accept blockchain technology (BCT) in Uganda. Methods The study utilized the second extension of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM2), customized to fit Uganda's context. Quantitative data were gathered from 245 farmers in Bukwo and Kween, the two leading barley-producing districts in eastern Uganda. The data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Results and discussion The study showed that perceived usefulness (PU) significantly influenced behavioral intention (BI) and shaped perceived ease of use (PEU). Subjective norms (SUN) and voluntariness (BV) enhanced PU, while perceived behavioral control (PBC) improved PEU. Notably, BCT relevance (BR) directly influenced BI, bypassing PU. These findings provide fresh insights into rural technology adoption, highlighting PU's influence on PEU and BV's role in shaping PU. The study recommends emphasizing BCT benefits such as reducing transaction costs, leveraging social networks, and addressing resource gaps to boost acceptance. This study advances understanding of BCT adoption among smallholder farmers in emerging economies like Uganda.