Securing the future: Navigating blockchain challenges in procurement 4.0 for ensuring food security

Purpose Blockchain technology (BCT) is a novel and disruptive innovation that can transform procurement processes in various industries, including the food sector. BCT can offer benefits such as transparency, traceability, security, and efficiency for procuring food products, which are essential for ensuring food security and quality. However, BCT faces several challenges that hinder its adoption and implementation in the food procurement domain, potentially impacting food security. Thus, this present work aims to identify the challenges of adopting blockchain technology in food Procurement 4.0 to support food security. Design/methodology/approach Eleven key challenges were identified through a literature search and are validated by domain experts. These challenges are modeled using the “fuzzy-Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation of Laboratory (fuzzy-DEMATEL)” technique. The fuzzy-DEMATEL technique allows us to explore the causal behavior of challenges that help further build strategic action. Findings The findings reveal that “lack of understanding and awareness (BTCP4)” and “immature legal acceptance/ regulatory policies (BTCP2)” are the most prominent barriers. The insights obtained from this work could be utilized by government agencies, policymakers and key industry players to prepare strategies to eliminate the challenges impeding the successful adoption of BCT in Procurement 4.0, thus ensuring food security for all. Research limitations/implications The limitations of this research are listed here, and they can be taken up in future research. This research employed a fuzzy-DEMATEL technique contingent upon experts’ subjective judgments and preferences, which may result in biases and inaccuracies in data collection and analysis. The number of experts is also a serious concern for the present study. Future studies may apply an integrated modeling approach with more experts to realize the results better. Additionally, the readiness assessment for adopting BCT could be done in a contextual setting to understand challenges better. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the present work is the first of its kind to navigate blockchain challenges in Procurement 4.0 to ensure food security.