Determinants of Humanitarian Logistics Performance to Effective Disaster Relief Operations in Addressing Pandemics in Tanzania

Abstract

The study assessed the key areas in humanitarian organizations to pave the way to effectiveness in disaster relief operations. The study employed a sequential explanatory research design; this design was used purposely by converging quantitative and qualitative data with a sample of 150 respondents from humanitarian organizations.  Questionnaires and key informant interviews were used to collect data. The nature and strength of association between independent variables and dependent variables were tested using multiple regressions. The study found that the determinants of humanitarian logistics performance for effective disaster relief operations include having trained experts, a dedicated humanitarian organization, supportive policies, supportive financial resources, and dedicated logistics service providers. Therefore, it was concluded that the overall effectiveness of disaster relief operations depends on proper structures in humanitarian logistics that capture efficiency in logistics cooperation and involvement of logistics service in providing disaster relief operations. The study recommended that the government should recognize the importance of public-private partnerships in disaster relief operations and ensure proactive actions in having reliable infrastructure and empowering the operations of logistics service providers and humanitarian organizations and agencies in Tanzania. This study could aid policymakers to institute frameworks that could guide nations to undertake procedures that may enhance the movement of people and materials to the affected areas and cooperation between stakeholders. The study had theoretical implications that enrich the structuring of stakeholders in stakeholders theory and add knowledge on this undertaking and strengthening humanitarian logistics systems.