Exploring the Risks of Green Crowdsourcing in South Africa: The Case of Dilivari

Abstract

Green crowdsourcing mobile applications provide an appropriate supply chain coordination mechanism for deliveries, harnessing benefits for people, profits and the environment. Despite the benefits, the risks and challenges associated with green crowdsourcing undermine the social, economic and sustainability benefits of last mile logistics. We undertook an exploration of the risks of using the green crowdsourcing Dilivari mobile application (App) innovation in South Africa. The study used an exploratory research case study research design. The study included 54 respondents with rich, in-depth knowledge, 49 participants for focus group discussions (FGDs) and five key informant interviews. Our study established security, legal, human and connectivity risks associated with this app. We focused on the risks and challenges in the literature including critical emergent risks in a developing country context, compatibility of technology, load shedding, mobile penetration, and data costs. Furthermore, we highlighted the security risks posed by theft, robberies and terrorism.