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Contribution to Book
Humanitarian Logistics and the Cluster Approach: Global Shifts and the U.S. Perspective
Humanitarian Logistics: Meeting the Challenge of Preparing for and Responding to Disasters (2011)
  • Nezih Altay, DePaul University
  • Melissa Labonte
Abstract
There is growing recognition among key humanitarian organizations that logistics plays an essential role in achieving greater synergies across and within the myriad of actors and institutions that currently constitute the humanitarian industry. In this chapter we examine the implications resulting from the establishment of the United Nations’ Cluster Approach strategy in responding to complex humanitarian emergencies. Specifically, we analyse the evolution of the Logistics Cluster with respect to key factors such as preparedness, coordination, accountability, and information and knowledge management. In the five years and 36 country roll-outs since its establishment, the Logistics Cluster gets high marks operationally for improving coordination between and among other Clusters; information and knowledge sharing; building systematic emergency response capacity; and clarifying leadership roles and accountability between Cluster actors. Given its prominence as the global leader in foreign assistance and emergency relief, we also consider the role of US perceptions of and attitudes toward the Logistics Cluster and the overall Cluster Approach. We find that in spite of lingering challenges (eg civil–military coordination on logistics and global funding arrangements for the Clusters), the US government is positively disposed toward the Logistics Cluster. We conclude that the Logistics Cluster has met if not exceeded expectations as a key component of the Cluster Approach, and in a very short period of time has elevated the effectiveness of it as a global humanitarian response strategy.
Publication Date
2011
Editor
Peter Tatham & Martin Christopher
Publisher
Kogan Page
Citation Information
Nezih Altay and Melissa Labonte. "Humanitarian Logistics and the Cluster Approach: Global Shifts and the U.S. Perspective" Humanitarian Logistics: Meeting the Challenge of Preparing for and Responding to Disasters (2011)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/nezih_altay/4/