Blockchain

Blockchain-Enabled Supply Chain for Sustainable Pad Production in Nepal

At Aba Dhukka, we’re committed to empowering Nepali girls and women through access to sustainable, affordable menstrual products. To ensure transparency, traceability, and trust in our supply chain for biodegradable sanitary pads made from banana fiber, we’ve designed a blockchain-based system that tracks every step from harvest to delivery. Integrated with our Dhukka Didi chatbot and the broader Aba Dhukka campaign, this system not only supports menstrual health but also builds trust among stakeholders—farmers, producers, donors, and end users. Below, we outline our blockchain-enabled supply chain process, designed to align with Nepal’s unique needs and the mission to break menstrual taboos.

Overview: Why Blockchain?

Blockchain technology offers a transparent, tamper-proof, and decentralized way to track the production and distribution of sanitary pads. By logging every stage—banana stem harvest, fiber extraction, pad production, and distribution—on a distributed ledger, we ensure:

• Transparency: Every stakeholder can verify the origin and journey of the pads.
• Traceability: End users can scan a QR code to see the full supply chain history, building trust in the product’s quality and sustainability.
• Efficiency: Streamlined processes reduce delays and errors, ensuring pads reach those who need them most, especially in rural Nepal.
• Community Impact: By involving local farmers and producers, we support livelihoods while addressing period poverty.

This system is managed through two blockchain nodes: Node A (Harvest and Fiber Extraction) and Node B (Pad Production, Distribution, and Analytics), ensuring a clear and secure flow of information.

System Architecture

Node Structure

• Node A: Managed by the Harvest/Extraction Organization. Covers banana stem harvesting and fiber extraction processes.
• Node B: Managed by the Pad Production Organization. Handles pad manufacturing, packaging, QR code generation, distribution, and donor analytics.

Blockchain Features

• Immutable Ledger: Every transaction (e.g., harvest, transport, production) is recorded permanently, preventing tampering.
• Smart Contracts: Automate processes like batch ID generation and delivery order creation.
• QR Code Traceability: Each pad package has a QR code linking to its full supply chain history, accessible via a mobile app.
• Decentralized Access: Stakeholders (farmers, producers, distributors, donors) interact securely without a central authority.
• Data Privacy: Anonymized data ensures user privacy while maintaining transparency.

Step-by-Step Supply Chain Process

1. Admin Setup (Super Admin Actions)

The system begins with administrative setup to ensure secure operations:

• Create Pad Production Organization: The admin registers the organization on the blockchain and assigns it Node B.
• Create User for Pad Production Org: Login credentials are created and stored securely on the blockchain.
• Create Harvest/Extraction Organization: The admin registers a sub-organization and assigns it Node A.
• Create Donor Users: Credentials for donors are created to access analytics on Node B.

2. Banana Harvest (Node A)

Actors: Farmers, Field Officers (via Harvest/Extraction Org)
This stage involves collecting banana stems, a sustainable raw material for pad production, from local farms in Nepal.

• Select and Harvest Banana Stems: Farmers manually select mature banana stems, ensuring eco-friendly sourcing.
• Weigh and Record Stems: Field officers weigh the stems and log the quantity and timestamp on Node A using blockchain for transparency.
• Record Farmer Details: Metadata (farmer’s name, location, date/time) is logged on Node A to support local livelihoods and traceability.
• Generate Harvest Batch ID: A unique ID is created on the blockchain to track this batch throughout the supply chain.
• Transport to Fiber Extraction Unit: Transport details and handover are recorded on Node A, ensuring accountability.

3. Fiber Extraction (Node A)

Actors: Extraction Operators, Quality Inspectors
Banana stems are processed into fibers suitable for absorbent pads.

• Receive Banana Stems: Operators verify the batch by matching the Harvest Batch ID on Node A.
• Extract Fibers: Stems are processed using machines to extract fibers (manual operation, no blockchain logging).
• Sort Fibers by Quality: Inspectors manually check fiber quality for absorbency and durability.
• Assign Fiber Batch ID: Weight and quality grade are logged on Node A with a unique Fiber Batch ID.
• Dry, Bundle, and Transport: Fibers are dried and bundled manually, then transport details are logged on Node A for delivery to the pad production unit.

4. Pad Production (Node B)

Actors: Production Staff, Quality Control Team
Fibers are transformed into sanitary pads at the production facility.

• Receive Fiber Bundles: Staff verify the source by matching the Fiber Batch ID on Node B.
• Process Fibers into Absorbent Material: Fibers are processed manually or with machines into absorbent cores.
• Assemble Pads: Pads are constructed (core, wrap, packaging) through manual manufacturing steps.
• Perform Quality Checks: Quality control logs inspection results on Node B to ensure product safety.
• Generate Final Product Batch ID: A unique ID is assigned and stored on Node B for each batch of pads.
• Pack Pads: Pads are packaged (e.g., 10 per pack) manually.
• Generate QR Code: Each package receives a QR code linked to the blockchain, showing the full lineage from harvest to production.
• Store in Warehouse: Packaged pads are stored manually, ready for distribution.

5. Distribution (Node B)

Actors: Distribution Coordinators
Pads are delivered to schools, NGOs, and stores, focusing on underserved communities in Nepal.

• Create Delivery Orders: Orders with pad quantities and destinations are logged on Node B.
• Assign Batch IDs for Delivery: Packages are matched with QR codes and batch metadata on Node B.
• Dispatch Pads: Physical transport to schools, NGOs, or stores is arranged manually.
• Confirm Delivery: Recipients confirm receipt, logged on Node B for end-to-end traceability.

6. User Delivery (End Users)

Actors: Girls, Parents
End users, primarily girls and women in Nepal, receive and verify the pads.

• Receive Pads: Pads are handed over in-person at schools, stores, or community centers.
• Scan QR Code: Users scan the QR code on the package via a mobile app (integrated with Dhukka Didi) to view the supply chain history.
• View Traceability Report: The blockchain displays the full journey—harvest, fiber extraction, production, and distribution—building trust in the product’s sustainability and quality.

7. Donor Analytics Dashboard (Node B)

Actors: Donor Users
Donors supporting Aba Dhukka’s mission can track the impact of their contributions.

• Log In: Donors access the dashboard using blockchain-secured credentials.
• View Pad Consumption by Geo-Location: Real-time data from Node B shows where pads are used, highlighting impact in rural and urban Nepal.
• View Sales by Region: Aggregated QR scan logs provide insights into pad distribution and usage, ensuring transparency for donors.

Integration with Dhukka Didi Chatbot

Dhukka Didi, our 24/7 Nepali-language chatbot, enhances the supply chain by:

• Guiding End Users: Helps girls and parents scan QR codes and understand the traceability report, reinforcing trust in the pads.
• Providing Education: Shares information on how to use the pads safely and hygienically, aligning with Aba Dhukka’s mission to break menstrual taboos.
• Connecting to Resources: Directs users to nearby distribution points (e.g., schools, NGOs) logged on Node B, ensuring access to pads in underserved areas.

Benefits for Nepal’s Communities

This blockchain system aligns with Aba Dhukka’s mission to empower Nepali girls and women:

• Sustainability: Using banana fiber, a locally sourced, biodegradable material, reduces environmental impact and supports local farmers.
• Period Poverty: Transparent distribution ensures pads reach schools and NGOs, addressing access gaps in rural areas.
• Trust and Empowerment: QR code traceability builds confidence in the product’s quality, encouraging girls to manage menstruation with dignity.
• Community Engagement: Involving local farmers, producers, and distributors creates jobs and strengthens Nepal’s economy.

Technical Considerations

• Blockchain Platform: We propose using Hyperledger Fabric for its permissioned network, ideal for restricting access to trusted partners like farmers, producers, and NGOs.
• Smart Contracts: Automate batch ID generation, QR code linking, and delivery order creation to reduce manual errors.
• Low-Bandwidth Access: The Dhukka Didi app and QR scanning are optimized for low-data environments, ensuring accessibility in rural Nepal.
• Data Security: Anonymized data protects user privacy while maintaining transparency.

Future Vision

By combining blockchain technology with Aba Dhukka’s mission and Dhukka Didi’s outreach, we aim to create a scalable model for sustainable menstrual product supply chains in Nepal. Future enhancements include:

• Expanding to other biodegradable materials (e.g., bamboo fiber).
• Integrating IoT for real-time tracking of transport conditions.
• Partnering with more NGOs to distribute pads in remote area.