Beyond silos: An integrated AI-blockchain framework for sustainable aquaculture in Ghana
• Introduces a novel AI-blockchain architecture for verified precision aquaculture. • Develops an edge-computing-aware framework for resource-constrained environments. • Proposes predictive analytics for aquaculture optimisation and yield forecasting. • Details a phased implementation roadmap with mobile-first solutions. • Demonstrates the framework's applicability through a Ghana case study. The application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and blockchain in aquaculture remains technologically siloed, creating a significant gap between predictive capabilities and verifiable trust. This study makes a novel contribution by proposing and critically examining a fully integrated socio-technical framework that moves beyond the technological dichotomy prevalent in the literature. Through a systematic review of 36 peer-reviewed studies, we move beyond technological solutionism to construct a socio-technical model that demonstrates the synergistic interdependence of these technologies: AI's predictive power for. Contextualised for Ghana's aquaculture sector—a setting characterised by high import dependency and smallholder dominance—our findings yield a distinctive, phased implementation roadmap. This roadmap prioritises mobile-first, offline-capable solutions and cooperative governance to ensure inclusivity. Our study provides two primary scientific contributions: (1) the novel conceptualisation of "verified precision aquaculture" as a paradigm enabled by deep AI-blockchain integration, and (2) a contextually grounded, phased implementation roadmap that translates cyber-physical systems theory into an actionable strategy for resource-constrained environments.
Authors
- Kwame Anokye (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1242-229X)
- Portia Agyemang (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-5014-2561)
- Bosompem Ahunoabobirim Agya (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4839-071X)
Institutions
- Texas State University (US)
- Gansu Agricultural University (CN)
- Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences (DE)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Smart Agricultural Technology
- Published
- 2025-10-25
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atech.2025.101576
- Citations
- 3
- Primary Topic
- Blockchain Technology Applications and Security
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 9.74