Background and Objective
As part of the Logistics Working Group (LWG) 2026 Workplan, Indicator 2.1, a joint field visit was conducted to the HI/ATLAS Afghanistan Regional Warehouses in Herat. The visit, organized in close collaboration with LWG members, aimed to enhance inter-agency coordination, exchange operational knowledge, and explore collective strategies to address logistical challenges amid ongoing financial constraints.
Purpose of the Visit
The visit was designed with the following objectives:
- Collaboration: Strengthen coordination and communication among LWG members and stakeholders.
- Planning: Facilitate dialogue on logistics strategies for upcoming humanitarian and development initiatives.
- Knowledge Sharing: Promote the exchange of best practices and field-tested logistics approaches. Identify and address challenges related to inventory, supply chain, and warehouse management
- Orientation: Familiarize participants with the HI/ATLAS Afghanistan logistics operations and supply chain processes. Provide LWG members with a practical understanding of HI/ATLAS warehouses infrastructure and services.
Participating Organizations
The field visit brought together logistics and supply chain representatives from the following organizations:
- CAID/RSDO
- Handicap International (HI)
- Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW)
- International Rescue Committee (IRC)
- International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
- INTERSOS
- Solidarités International (SI)
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- United Nations World Food Programme (UNWFP)
Overview of HI/ATLAS Herat Warehouses Facility
- Number of structured Warehouses inside the compound: 2
- Stored Items: Shelter & Non-Food Items (NFIs) / Food Assistance Supplies / WASH (Water, Sanitation, Hygiene) / Medical & Health Supplies (Medicines, vaccines and medical equipment) / Nutrition Supplies (RUTF, RUSF) / Education & Protection Items / Logistics & Operational Equipment (Generators, Incinerators…) / Emergency-Specific Items.
- Occupied Storage Area: 1200 m²
- Available Storage Space: 400 m²
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Partner Services: HI/ATLAS confirms that services are extended to other LWG partners. Specifically, HI/ATLAS is ready to support partners by providing warehouse facilities, transport services and training under formal agreements (MoU). ATLAS services are free of charge, ATLAS project being funded by the European Union (ECHO).
Contact Details for HI/ATLAS Supply Chain Focal Points:
- Mr. Marc Olivier HOUCHE | Atlas Logistic Project Advisor (mo.houche@hi.org)
- Mr. Ram PRAKASH | Herat Area Coordinator (r.prakash@hi.org)
Key Highlights and Discussion Points
- The visit enabled productive discussions on common challenges such as:
- Inventory tracking and control
- Space optimization and resource allocation
- Seasonal and emergency preparedness planning
- Partners exchanged lessons learned, shared operational bottlenecks, and discussed practical approaches to improve warehousing efficiency.
- Participants appreciated the transparency and collaborative approach of HI/ATLAS logistics team and agreed to consider joint planning mechanisms and regular coordination touchpoints moving forward.
Recognition and Team Reflection
During the visit on April 27, 2026, LWG members had the opportunity to observe HI/ATLAS warehouses system, tools, and documentation practices in detail. The warehouses is managed by a logistics unit that was officially established on 2022, marking the foundation of HI/ATLAS in-country logistics capability.
The visiting partners expressed strong appreciation for the significant progress made by the HI/ATLAS logistics team, especially in managing multi-commodity operations in Western Afghanistan. This recognition was a proud and motivating moment for the logistics unit and underscored HI/ATLAS growing role in national logistics coordination.
The joint field visit to the HI/ATLAS Herat Warehouses was a successful initiative under the LWG 2026 Workplan, reinforcing inter-agency collaboration and setting the stage for stronger, more integrated logistics operations across Afghanistan. The experience highlighted the importance of shared learning and operational transparency in improving humanitarian response effectiveness.
Resources:
HI-ATLAS - WAREHOUSES VISIT LWG - click here
HI-ATLAS WAREHOUSES VISIT WITH LWG PARTNERS - Pics - click here