Assessment on the Practices and Challenges of Humanitarian Supply Chain Management in the case of International Rescue Committee Ethiopia (IRC)

Abstract

The effectiveness of humanitarian supply chains is critical for ensuring the timely and equitable delivery of aid to populations affected by crises. This study examines the practices and challenges of supply chain management within the International Rescue Committee (IRC) Ethiopia, focusing on procurement planning, inventory utilization, warehousing, and distribution. Primary and secondary data were collected through structured interviews, observations, and reviews of organizational reports and standard operating procedures, with analysis conducted using SPSS. Key findings reveal significant issues in procurement planning, including inaccuracies in specifications, pricing, and delivery timelines, which lead to unutilized inventory and reduced supply chain efficiency. Although the IRC demonstrates strong practices in warehousing and distribution, these are often dependent on timely inputs from program teams. Additionally, while inventory utilization is generally effective, leftover stock at the end of projects highlights areas for improvement. The study recommends enhancing procurement planning processes, implementing accountability tools, optimizing inventory utilization, strengthening coordination between warehousing and program teams, increasing senior management oversight, and investing in technology to improve forecasting and inventory management. By addressing these challenges, the IRC can further enhance its supply chain efficiency, ensuring resources are used effectively to support its humanitarian mission. This research contributes to the field by offering evidence-based recommendations for improving the resilience and performance of humanitarian supply chains, particularly in resource-constrained environments like Ethiopia.