The influence of logistics preparedness on resilient disaster relief operations: evidence from disaster relief operations practitioners in humanitarian organizations in Tanzania

Yohana Arsen Rutaba, Noel Peter Mrope, Leonada Raphael Mwagike

Abstract


The research investigated the influence of logistics preparedness on resilient disaster relief operations in Tanzania. This study involved testing the alternative hypothesis: logistics preparedness has positive significant influence on resilient disaster relief operations in Tanzania. This study is guided by stakeholder theory and resource orchestration theory. Positivism research philosophy was observed with adoption of explanatory research design. Data were collected from humanitarian logistics and disaster relief operations practitioners (unit of enquiry) working in humanitarian organizations (Hos) (unit of analysis), using questionnaire and interviews, collected from 192 respondents. Sample size was calculated using Slovin’s formula and the study employed stratified systematic random sampling. Data analysis included usage of descriptive and multiple linear regression analysis with the aid of SPSS. The findings portray positive relationship between the variables, all the observed variables were significant with R2= 0.75, all with P-values < 0.05 – depicting strong and statistically significant influence of logistics preparedness factors on resilient disaster relief operations, demonstrating that logistics preparedness is very crucial for resilient disaster relief operations. The factors included; sustainable and flexible financial resource allocation -LOP1 ( β=0.312, P=0.003), investment in financial risk management-LOP2 ( β=0.256, P=0.022), capacity building-LOP3( β=0.189, P=0.011), deployment of skilled personnel ( LOP4) ( β=276, P=0.002), physical resource maintenance-LOP5 ( β=0.224, P=0.035)and sustainable practices-LOP6 ( β=0.198, P=0.005). This study contributes to the theoretical discourse on humanitarian logistics and resilient disaster relief operations. Humanitarian organizations and policy makers need to strengthen relief operations structures and prioritize initiatives aiming to enhance logistics preparedness. This study calls for structured humanitarian logistics plan and strategic direction and adds to the body of knowledge and theory on stakeholder engagement and resource pooling is essential in disaster relief operations. Further research involving integration of political instability, climate change, and global economic conditions, will contribute valuable insights to academia, policymakers, and practitioners.

 

Received on: 25 May 2025

Accepted on: 26 August 2025

Published on: 08 October 2025


Keywords


Logistics Preparedness, Disaster Relief Operation, Resilient Disaster Relief Operation, and Humanitarian Organizations

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DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21622/IBL.2025.05.1.1368

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Copyright (c) 2025 Yohana Arsen Rutaba, Noel Peter Mrope, Leonada Raphael Mwagike

International Business Logistics

E-ISSN: 2735-5969

P-ISSN: 2735-5950

 

Published by:

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Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT)

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