IMPACT OF INTERNET OF THINGS (IOT) ON ENHANCING TRANSPARENCY AND EFFICIENCY IN BANGLADESH'S AGRI-FOOD SUPPLY CHAIN

Abstract

Background: The agri-food supply chain in Bangladesh is crucial for the nation's sustenance and economic stability but faces challenges like lack of transparency, inefficiencies, and information asymmetry. The integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies offers transformative potential, enhancing the Transparent Physical and Information Flow (PHF) and thereby influencing the Transparency in the Agri-food Supply Chain (TASC). Objective: This study aims to investigate the impact of IoT integration on PHF and its subsequent effect on TASC in Bangladesh, framed around two core hypotheses: the significant influence of IoT on PHF and the consequent impact of an IoT-enhanced PHF on TASC. Methods: Employing a comprehensive methodological framework, the study utilized IBM SPSS for exploratory factor analysis and IBM AMOS for confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM) to assess the relationships between IoT technologies, PHF, and TASC. The analysis was based on data collected from 400 respondents in Bangladesh's agriculture sector. Results and Conclusion: The findings validate both hypotheses, demonstrating a significant and positive impact of IoT technologies on PHF and, subsequently, on TASC. The results highlight the crucial role of IoT in enhancing supply chain transparency and operational efficiency. Implications of the Research: This research provides empirical evidence on the effectiveness of IoT technologies in addressing transparency issues within the agri-food supply chain. It underscores the potential of IoT to foster improved decision-making, efficiency, and consumer trust in the agricultural sector, particularly in developing contexts like Bangladesh. Originality/Value: This study contributes original insights into the role of IoT technologies in enhancing the agri-food supply chain's transparency and efficiency. By focusing on the context of Bangladesh, it offers valuable implications for policymakers, industry practitioners, and researchers, emphasizing the transformative potential of IoT in agricultural supply chain management.