According to Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), an estimated 500 million small farmers produce most of developing world’s food. Yet, their families suffer with hunger, high rates of poverty, low access to basic social services (health, education).
Despite being the ones who spend most hours per day as producers, they earn the least profit of all players in the value chain. Is there an alternative way to do business? Can we usher 2020 as an era of radical transparency based on technology?
Imagine through our purchases, we could generate direct impact in the lives of producer communities. As a consumer, we could know everything about the chocolate we have in hand. All information from value chain – payment to farmer all the way to export fee for the chocolate. Verifiable information in 1 click leveraging Blockchain? How can we apply this concept to reality?
Traceability through unique QR codes printed on packaging of each chocolate, coffee, tea, rice pack. Customers directed to websites with full access to data from bean to bar. Who produced cocoa, place obtained, certifications, is it organic, payment to farmers?
Believe UN is experimenting ways on how to level the playing field for weakest players, real producers. Through direct participation of consumers leveraging technology, we can recognise contributions, express gratitude, transform quality of life of poor communities.