Mitigating risks and overcoming logistics challenges in humanitarian deployment to conflict zones: evidence from the DRC and CAR

IF 3.2 Q2 MANAGEMENT
Youssef Malhouni, C. Mabrouki
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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study is to analyze the challenges encountered by international nongovernmental organizations (INGOs) operating in armed conflicts within the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Central African Republic (CAR). Through a 20-month fieldwork analysis, this research maps logistical risks and highlights key obstacles on the ground for successful humanitarian deployments in dynamically changing and complex environments. The study brings together academics and practitioners, providing practical and concrete recommendations for nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to focus on in the conflict zones studied. Design/methodology/approach Using a mixed-methods approach that combines qualitative and quantitative methods, this research provides valuable insights into the challenges faced by INGOs in conflict zones. After collecting data from the field, including interviews with key stakeholders and on-the-ground observations, the data analysis uses software tools such as Text Analysis Markup System analyzer and Macbeth. By adhering to ethical principles and incorporating a reflexive analysis, the study sheds light on the multidimensional nature of successful humanitarian deployments. Findings The primary risk in all armed conflict zones, including the DRC and CAR, is insecurity. However, to achieve a successful humanitarian deployment in such contexts, a multidimensional approach is required. This involves first securing the acceptance of local communities and conflict parties, which can be achieved through a deep understanding of both political and customary structures, with a focus on respecting key engagement leaders. Sustainability also plays a crucial role, and NGOs must maintain a secure stock of energy and provide greater initiative for on-the-ground managers to meet the expressed needs of beneficiary populations and involve them from the planning stage onwards. Finally, effective communication, cooperation and collaboration with United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs are essential to overcome procurement, technical and security risks, particularly during the initial deployment phases. Originality/value This study provides an illustration of the uncommon practice of conducting collaborative research in humanitarian settings amidst two neighboring areas of armed conflict. The authors identified 268 common risk factors across eight categories during five deployment phases. To analyze these risks based on criticality and NGO responsiveness, the authors used a multicriteria method. This approach allowed the authors to validate unanimous judgments, resulting in valuable insights and concrete recommendations.
刚果民主共和国和中非共和国提供的证据
目的本研究的目的是分析国际非政府组织在刚果民主共和国和中非共和国武装冲突中遇到的挑战。通过20个月的实地调查分析,这项研究绘制了后勤风险图,并强调了在动态变化和复杂环境中成功部署人道主义人员的关键障碍。该研究汇集了学者和从业者,为非政府组织在所研究的冲突地区提供了切实可行的具体建议。设计/方法论/方法本研究采用了定性和定量相结合的混合方法,为国际非政府组织在冲突地区面临的挑战提供了有价值的见解。在收集了现场数据,包括对关键利益相关者的采访和实地观察后,数据分析使用了文本分析标记系统分析器和麦克白等软件工具。通过坚持伦理原则并结合反射性分析,该研究揭示了成功的人道主义部署的多层面性质。发现包括刚果民主共和国和中非共和国在内的所有武装冲突地区的主要风险是不安全。然而,要在这种情况下成功地进行人道主义部署,就需要采取多层面的办法。这首先涉及确保当地社区和冲突各方的接受,这可以通过深入了解政治和习惯结构来实现,重点是尊重关键的参与领导人。可持续性也发挥着至关重要的作用,非政府组织必须保持安全的能源储备,并为实地管理人员提供更大的主动性,以满足受益人群的明确需求,并从规划阶段开始让他们参与进来。最后,与联合国人道主义事务协调厅的有效沟通、合作与协作对于克服采购、技术和安全风险至关重要,特别是在最初部署阶段。原创性/价值这项研究说明了在两个相邻的武装冲突地区的人道主义环境中进行合作研究的罕见做法。作者在五个部署阶段确定了八类268个常见风险因素。为了根据关键性和非政府组织的反应性来分析这些风险,作者使用了一种多标准方法。这种方法使作者能够验证一致的判断,从而产生有价值的见解和具体的建议。
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来源期刊
CiteScore
6.40
自引率
20.00%
发文量
20
期刊介绍: The Journal of Humanitarian Logistics and Supply Chain Management (JHLSCM) is targeted at academics and practitioners in humanitarian public and private sector organizations working on all aspects of humanitarian logistics and supply chain management. The journal promotes the exchange of knowledge, experience and new ideas between researchers and practitioners and encourages a multi-disciplinary and cross-functional approach to the resolution of problems and exploitations of opportunities within humanitarian supply chains. Contributions are encouraged from diverse disciplines (logistics, operations management, process engineering, health care, geography, management science, information technology, ethics, corporate social responsibility, disaster management, development aid, public policy) but need to have a logistics and/or supply chain focus. JHLSCM publishes state of the art research, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative approaches, in the field of humanitarian and development aid logistics and supply chain management.
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