THE IMPACT OF 3D PRINTING ON THE SUPPLY CHAIN OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECTS IN RWANDA

This study investigates the impact of 3D printing technology on the supply chain of affordable housing projects in Rwanda, aiming to evaluate cost reduction, supply chain efficiency, and sustainability benefits. A mixed-methods approach, including surveys and interviews with stakeholders, paired with statistical analyses such as t-tests and ANOVA, revealed substantial improvements. By 2014, construction costs decreased by 31.8%, time efficiency improved by 41.7%, and material usage efficiency reached 44.4%. Energy savings increased to 40%, while environmental sustainability scores improved by 33.3%. Despite these advancements, 3D printing addressed only 5.2% of Rwanda's housing demand. The findings emphasize the transformative potential of 3D printing in cost and resource optimization but highlight the need for increased scalability through strategic investments and policy support. Recommendations include capacity building, infrastructure development, and public-private partnerships to maximize technology adoption and sustainability.