Global access to food crops is affected by transport costs and economic inequality
A new study from the University of Oulu highlights that global food security is heavily dependent on transport infrastructure and economic equality, not just production volume. Researchers developed a spatial framework to show how transport costs can prevent food from reaching areas in need.
Why it matters
Understanding these logistical barriers is critical for addressing global hunger and designing more resilient food supply chains.
edited by Gaby Clark , reviewed by Andrew Zinin
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Add as preferred source Graphical abstract. Credit: Journal of Cleaner Production (2026). DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2026.148783 Producing enough food is only one part of ensuring global food security. A new study shows that transport networks and economic inequality are important factors in determining global food accessibility. A research team led by the University of Oulu, together with researchers from Aalto University and Pellervo Economic Research (PTT), Finland, developed a new spatial accessibility framework to examine how effectively global transport systems connect food supply with demand under different economic and disruption scenarios.
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