Publication Details
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 overcoming logistical bottlenecks, ensuring accountability, and accelerating service delivery. This study evaluated the adoption and contribution of digital technologies in enhancing the supply-chain performance of the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) in Rwanda. Using a purposive sampling strategy, data were collected from 108 ADRA staff and managers through structured questionnaires and key informant interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, frequency tables, weighted means, standard deviations, and percentages while inferential analysis applied multiple regression using R software for statistical validation. Findings revealed that ADRA Rwanda relies primarily on foundational technologies such as barcode scanning (96 respondents, 88.89%) and manual inventory tracking (84 respondents, 77.78%), which are widely integrated across logistics operations. By contrast, advanced systems such as RFID (90 respondents, 83.33%), cloud-based platforms (65 respondents, 60.81%), and automated data-capture tools (99 respondents, 91.67%) remain largely underutilized. In planning and forecasting, predictive analytics (96 respondents, 88.89%) showed moderate adoption, while technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT) exhibited minimal integration (above 87%). Despite this, digital tools were found to contribute significantly to operational outcomes particularly in monitoring and evaluation (96 respondents, 88.89%), distribution and delivery logistics (94 respondents, 87.04%), and capacity planning and forecasting (96 respondents, 88.89%). Regression analysis indicated that technological use explained 92.4% of the variance in logistics performance (R² = 0.924), underscoring the strong link between technology utilization and supply chain efficiency. The study concludes that ADRA Rwanda has achieved measurable gains through the adoption of basic yet effective technologies, though progress toward advanced digital transformation remains incremental. Broader integration of mid- and high-level solutions such as AI-driven forecasting, blockchain-based transparency, and IoT-enabled tracking will be essential to strengthen real-time visibility and data-driven decision-making. The study contributes empirical evidence to the discourse on digital transformation in humanitarian supply chains and provides actionable recommendations to guide NGOs in scaling technological adoption within resource-constrained environments.