The Ghost in The Clean Machine: A Phenomenological Exploration of Smallholders’ Resistance and Acceptance of Blockchain-Based Halal Traceability

Objective: This study examines the socio-technical tensions experienced by smallholder farmers and traditional slaughterers in the upstream halal supply chain following the implementation of a blockchain-based traceability system. The study focuses on how digital traceability reshapes relational trust, professional identity, and everyday work practices. Research Design & Methods: This study employs a qualitative approach using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, participatory observation, and reflective field notes involving smallholder farmers and traditional slaughterers participating in a pilot of the blockchain-based traceability system. The data were analyzed to identify recurring patterns and interpret the participants’ lived experiences. Findings: This analysis revealed three main themes: the erosion of relational truth, bodies constrained by algorithms, and a crisis of professional identity. These themes illustrate the tension between interpersonal and system-based trust, digital reporting requirements and established work rhythms, as well as traditional job skills and emerging digital competencies. Participants’ reluctance toward digital procedures cannot be understood solely as a matter of technological incompetence; it also reflects concerns about professional dignity, autonomy, and recognition of local knowledge. Implications & Recommendations: These findings highlight the importance of participatory and context-sensitive approaches in blockchain implementation. Digital traceability initiatives must involve upstream stakeholders, provide appropriate training, and accommodate the practical realities of traditional work environments. Contribution & Value Added: This study expands the scope of halal supply chain research beyond mere technology adoption by examining the human, relational, and professional consequences of digital traceability. It emphasizes that the effectiveness of blockchain-based systems depends not only on technological capabilities but also on their ability to accommodate human roles, relational trust, and local knowledge.