Fishers' preference for mobile traceability platform: challenges in achieving a digital tuna supply chain in Davao Region, Philippines
The International Journal of Logistics Management
ISSN: 0957-4093
Article publication date: 31 October 2024
Abstract
Purpose
Current catch documentation and traceability practices in the Philippines are paper-based. However, with technological advancements, a shift toward electronic documentation has become a global trend to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. This study aims to determine the factors influencing fishers' preference for a mobile traceability platform and identify the challenges in achieving a digital tuna supply chain in Davao Region, Philippines.
Design/methodology/approach
A survey of 178 tuna fishers was conducted in select sites in Davao Region using a semi-structured questionnaire. Factors influencing fishers' preference for a mobile traceability platform were identified using logistic regression.
Findings
Results revealed that one-third of the fishers (34.5%) preferred a mobile traceability platform. Membership in organizations and higher educational attainment increased the preference for a mobile traceability platform. Meanwhile, respondents' knowledge was associated with a preference for paper-based traceability. This association between knowledge and preference was in the context of catch recording performed by government agencies and fisherfolk associations in landing sites. Intensified support aimed at increasing the fishers' literacy and access to technological devices, including the internet and smartphones, is emphasized to provide them with the basic requirements for participating in mobile traceability systems. Moreover, several challenges in implementing digital traceability beyond fisherfolk were identified.
Originality/value
This study amplifies the need for infrastructure and legislation to support the implementation of a digital tuna supply chain and eliminate IUU fishing.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This study is part of the Developing a Point of Catch-to-Plate Traceability System for Tuna in Davao Region Project solicited and funded by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquaculture, and Natural Resources Research and Development – Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) and implemented by the School of Management of the University of the Philippines Mindanao. The authors would also like to acknowledge all the help and support of the fisherfolk respondents of this study and the municipal/city agriculture offices in the study sites. Similar acknowledgment is given to Rojen Dianne Caluban, Rhea Madelle Francisco, Melissa P. Loquias, and all the field enumerators in appreciation of their contribution to data gathering.
Citation
Untal, F.J.P., Castro, M.M.C. and Sarmiento, J.M. (2024), "Fishers' preference for mobile traceability platform: challenges in achieving a digital tuna supply chain in Davao Region, Philippines", The International Journal of Logistics Management, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJLM-03-2024-0153
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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