Challenges Facing Humanitarian Logistics in a Nonprofit Organization

Abstract

Global and sudden disasters like earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes and epidemics and slow-onset disasters like droughts, floods and famines contribute significantly to increasing vulnerability and humanitarian needs in the world. Since 2008, Namibia has experienced recurrent floods and droughts that have affected 60 percent population. The overall problem in disaster relief is poor support for logistics. Thus, the purpose of this article is to evaluate the challenges faced by humanitarian logistics during disaster relief operation and examine strategies to overcome them for a non-profit organization (the Red Cross Society) in Namibia. The study adopts a quantitative, descriptive research design. With 25 employees, non-probabilistic sampling using a convenience sampling technique, the sample size is 21 (84%). The findings reveal critical challenges like proper sourcing relief supply, resources, transportation problems and difficulties in identifying initial relief requirement, which leads to difficulties delivering effective and efficient services to the affected areas.