Digital Technologies And Operational Efficiency In Humanitarian Supply Chains: Empirical Evidence From ADRA Rwanda

Abstract

Technology has become a cornerstone of efficiency, visibility, and responsiveness in modern logistics and supply chain management (LSCM). Within humanitarian operations, digital innovations are essential for addressing logistical bottlenecks, enhancing accountability, and accelerating service delivery in resource-constrained environments. This study evaluated the adoption and contribution of digital technologies to operational efficiency within the humanitarian supply chain of the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) in Rwanda. A mixed-methods research approach was employed, drawing data from 108 ADRA staff and managers through structured questionnaires and key informant interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequencies, weighted means, standard deviations, and percentages, while inferential analysis employed multiple regression techniques using R software to examine the relationship between technology utilization and operational efficiency.

The findings indicate that ADRA Rwanda relies predominantly on foundational and low-cost technologies, notably barcode scanning (WM = 4.11, SD = 0.32) and manual inventory tracking (WM = 3.78, SD = 0.42), which are widely integrated into logistics operations. In contrast, advanced digital systems such as radio-frequency identification (RFID) (WM = 1.83), cloud-based inventory management platforms (WM = 1.60), and automated data-capture systems (WM = 1.08) remain largely underutilized. In planning and forecasting activities, predictive analytics tools demonstrated moderate adoption (WM = 3.89), while emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT) exhibited minimal integration. Despite these limitations, digital technologies were found to contribute meaningfully to operational outcomes, particularly in monitoring and evaluation of supply-chain performance (WM = 3.89), distribution and delivery logistics (WM = 3.87), and capacity planning and forecasting (WM = 3.74). Regression analysis revealed that technology utilization accounted for a substantial proportion of the variance in operational efficiency, confirming a strong and positive relationship between digital technology use and humanitarian supply-chain performance.

The study concludes that ADRA Rwanda has achieved measurable operational efficiency gains through the effective use of basic and context-appropriate digital technologies, although progress toward advanced digital transformation remains incremental. To enhance real-time visibility, transparency, and data-driven decision-making, broader and more integrated adoption of mid- and high-level digital solutions such as AI-enabled analytics, blockchain-supported traceability, and IoT-based tracking is recommended. The study contributes empirical evidence to the growing discourse on digital transformation in humanitarian supply chains and provides practical guidance for non-governmental organizations seeking to scale technology adoption within resource-constrained environments.