THE IMPACT OF SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF FOOD MARKETS

Abstract

Eter Kharaishvili E-mail: eter.kharaishvili@tsu.ge Professor, Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University Tbilisi, Georgia https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4013-7354   Badri Gechbaia  E-mail: gechbaia.badri@bsu.edu.ge Associate Professor, Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University Batumi, Georgia https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2815-2228 Abstract: This article examines the vital importance of sustainable transport in realizing the objectives of the 2030 Agenda. It analyzes the changes in the functioning and structure of agri-food markets over the last decades, resulting from a combination of global and local factors. The central hypothesis proposes that sustainable transportation plays a critical role in ensuring food security and promoting the efficient functioning of global agri-food markets. Sustainable transportation is viewed as an indispensable condition for fostering local production and establishing robust national food markets. On one hand, agro-food production relies on efficient transportation; on the other hand, markets themselves depend on transport to facilitate the exchange of products and services. The identification of factors hindering food transportation and the development of sustainable transportation mechanisms are revealed to have a positive impact on production and food market development. In many countries worldwide, a substantial portion of the population resides in net food importing nations. Particularly in countries like Georgia, where food imports significantly exceed exports, sustainable transportation is considered essential for safeguarding food security and ensuring effective food markets. This paper evaluates the advantages of sustainable transportation in ensuring food security and fostering efficient food markets while substantiating its role in promoting inclusive economic growth.Through a comprehensive review of existing literature, the article presents the evolutionary paths of sustainability issues in agri-food markets and food transportation. Based on an assessment of factors influencing agro-food market development and trend analysis, the study identifies the most critical framework conditions for sustainable transportation. The article assesses the challenges related to trucking, with a primary focus on the asymmetric transport infrastructure prevalent in developing countries. As a result, the potential impact of sustainable transport on food markets is investigated, including multiplier effects on market efficiency, employment, and the population's well-being. Specific challenges in implementing transport interventions and sustainable transport shipment directions are also discussed. The research process includes bibliographic analysis of scientific works and organizational reports, comparison methods for identifying relevant indicators, and matrix schemes to determine sustainable transportation conditions and mechanisms. Additionally, factor analysis identifies challenges and tools related to the functioning of food markets, while analysis and grouping of materials based on uniformity, among other methods, are employed. The paper concludes by providing valuable insights and recommendations regarding the impact of sustainable transportation on the effective functioning of food markets. These recommendations offer actionable directions for addressing challenges and fostering positive outcomes in food security and market efficiency through sustainable transport interventions.