A Blockchain-Enabled MRV and Carbon Credit Ecosystem for Agroforestry in the Philippines
MASTER’S THESIS PROPOSAL
I. TITLE
GreenLedger™: A Blockchain-Enabled Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) System for Carbon Credit Generation in Agroforestry Enterprises
II. ABSTRACT
This study proposes the design and development of GreenLedger™, a blockchain-enabled platform for Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) of carbon sequestration in agroforestry systems. The research aims to address the lack of transparency, accessibility, and trust in current carbon credit systems, particularly for smallholder farmers in the Philippines.
The system integrates geotagged farm data, biomass-based carbon estimation models, and blockchain-based smart contracts to generate verifiable carbon credits. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study will evaluate system performance, usability, and reliability while assessing its potential impact on sustainability and financial inclusion.
III. INTRODUCTION
3.1 Background of the Study
Climate change mitigation requires scalable, transparent systems that incentivize carbon sequestration. Agroforestry presents a strong solution, yet participation in carbon markets remains limited due to high verification costs and lack of digital infrastructure.
Blockchain technology offers a decentralized approach to solving trust and transparency issues. GreenLedger™ aims to operationalize this by creating a verifiable carbon credit ecosystem tailored to agroforestry.
3.2 Problem Statement
The study seeks to address:
- Lack of accessible MRV systems for agroforestry carbon tracking
- Limited participation of smallholder farmers in carbon markets
- Absence of transparent and tamper-proof sustainability data systems
- Inefficiencies in traditional carbon verification processes
3.3 Research Objectives
General Objective
To design and evaluate a blockchain-based MRV system for agroforestry carbon credit generation.
Specific Objectives
- Develop a carbon estimation model based on agroforestry data
- Design a blockchain-based MRV architecture
- Implement a prototype system
- Evaluate usability, efficiency, and trustworthiness
- Analyze economic and environmental impact potential
3.4 Research Questions
- How can blockchain improve transparency in carbon credit systems?
- How accurate and reliable is the proposed carbon estimation model?
- What is the usability level of GreenLedger™?
- Can the system increase farmer participation in carbon markets?
3.5 Significance of the Study
- Enhances climate finance accessibility
- Supports sustainable agroforestry
- Advances blockchain applications in agriculture
IV. REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
4.1 Blockchain in Environmental Systems
4.2 Carbon Credit and MRV Frameworks
4.3 Agroforestry Carbon Sequestration Models
4.4 Digital Agriculture Platforms
4.5 Research Gap
Existing systems lack integration of MRV, blockchain, and farmer-centric design.
V. THEORETICAL AND CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
5.1 Theoretical Framework
- Decentralization Theory
- Sustainable Development Theory
- Technology Acceptance Model (TAM)
5.2 Conceptual Framework
Input → Process → Output
- Input: Farm data, environmental data
- Process: Carbon computation, blockchain recording
- Output: Verified carbon credits
VI. METHODOLOGY
6.1 Research Design
Mixed-methods (Developmental + Descriptive Evaluation)
6.2 System Development Methodology
Agile Framework
6.3 System Architecture
- Frontend: React
- Backend: Node.js
- Blockchain: Ethereum/Hyperledger
- Database: MongoDB
6.4 Carbon Estimation Model
Biomass-based estimation using species-specific coefficients
6.5 Data Collection
- Interviews
- Surveys
- Secondary datasets
6.6 Evaluation Methods
- System Usability Scale (SUS)
- ISO 25010 Software Quality Model
- Statistical analysis
VII. EXPECTED OUTPUTS
- Functional MRV system prototype
- Carbon credit computation module
- Blockchain verification system
- Research publication
VIII. TIMELINE
| Phase | Duration |
|---|---|
| Proposal | 1 month |
| Development | 4 months |
| Testing | 2 months |
| Writing | 2 months |
IX. BUDGET
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Software & Tools | PHP 20,000 |
| Cloud Services | PHP 25,000 |
| Research Expenses | PHP 15,000 |
| Total | PHP 60,000 |
X. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS
- Data privacy compliance
- Informed consent
- Transparency in reporting
XI. REFERENCES
(To be completed in APA format)
XII. APPENDICES
- Survey Instruments
- System Diagrams
- Prototype Screenshots