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

Abstract

Thestudy assessed the key areas in humanitarian organizationsto pave theway to effectiveness in disaster relief operations. The studyemployed a sequential explanatory research design;this design was used purposely by convergingquantitative and qualitative data with a sample of 150 respondents from humanitarian organizations. Questionnairesand key informant interviews were used to collect data. Thenature and strength of association betweenindependent variables and dependent variablesweretested using multiple regressions. The study foundthat the determinants of humanitarian logistics performance for effective disaster relief operations includehaving trainedexperts, a dedicated humanitarian organization,supportive policies, supportive financial resources,and dedicated logistics service providers. Therefore, it was concluded that the overall effectivenessofdisaster relief operations depends onproper structures in humanitarian logistics that capture efficiency in logistics cooperation and involvement of logistics serviceinprovidingdisaster relief operations.The study recommended that the government shouldrecognize the importance of public-private partnerships in disaster relief operations and ensure proactive actions in having reliable infrastructure and empoweringthe operations of logistics service providers and humanitarian organizations and agencies in Tanzania.This study could aidpolicymakersto institute frameworks that could guide nations to undertake procedures that may enhancethe movementof 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.