Building blocks of a Blockchain-enabled framework for the humanitarian supply chain

Humanitarian supply chains (HSCs) face significant operational challenges, particularly around trust, transparency, and coordination. Blockchain technology (BCT), with its decentralised and immutable characteristics, offers a promising solution. However, humanitarian organisations often lack a structured framework to guide its implementation. This paper addresses this gap by designing a blockchain-enabled framework specifically tailored to HSCs. A mixed-method approach, using an explanatory sequential design, is adopted. The research begins with a quantitative phase, conducting a feasibility study through a survey targeting key humanitarian stakeholders in Kenya to identify operational needs that BCT could address. Survey data is analysed using SPSS 26.0, and the findings, complemented by secondary literature, inform the development of the proposed framework. The subsequent qualitative phase involves validating the framework through in-depth interviews with humanitarian experts in Kenya. These interviews are coded and thematically analysed using NVivo software. The methodology ensures a high level of research rigour aligned with the study's aim and objectives. The proposed blockchain-enabled framework consists of nine building blocks structured across five phases, from initial planning to full deployment and maturity. Raising awareness is highlighted as the most critical phase for successful implementation. Additionally, the framework emphasises the need for continuous improvement based on user feedback and technological advancements. By addressing key operational challenges, BCT can significantly enhance transparency, integrity, and disaster resilience within Kenya's HSC context. • Blockchain will solve operational issues in Kenya's humanitarian supply chain. • Blockchain implementation will involve five phases with nine key stages. • Awareness stage is the most critical in blockchain implementation. • Blockchain architectural design requires collaborative efforts of stakeholders.