Life-saving supply chains: Challenges and the path forward

Abstract

There is a great need to improve the world's supply chains for disaster relief. This paper provides background on the current state of logistics in the humanitarian environment and the factors that have limited the evolution of knowledge and the performance of humanitarian supply chains. We consider the external pressures that aid agencies (AA) are feeling from donors, local aid agencies, governments and corporations, as well as the internal limitations that have impeded progress in logistics. We then recommend five strategies that together define a path forward for aid agencies, building on the experience of supply chain evolution in the private sector. An appendix provides information on resources for academics that would like to get involved in this exciting field.