Access to markets is necessary for the development of profitable, sustainable agriculture. The proportion of the global rural population residing within a two-kilometer radius of an all-weather road is a commonly employed indicator for gauging market accessibility. This metric indicates the level of rural inhabitants’ connectivity to markets, services, and opportunities, which play a positive role in poverty reduction and economic growth promotion. An estimated one billion individuals still reside more than two kilometers away from such vital road infrastructure, according to the Global Road Safety Facility. Enhancing accessibility to rural roads can alleviate poverty through increased agricultural output, local market expansion driven by improved transport, and increased wages, and employment opportunities. 

Access to markets is necessary for the development of profitable, sustainable agriculture. The proportion of the global rural population residing within a two-kilometer radius of an all-weather road is a commonly employed indicator for gauging market accessibility. This metric indicates the level of rural inhabitants’ connectivity to markets, services, and opportunities, which play a positive role in poverty reduction and economic growth promotion. An estimated one billion individuals still reside more than two kilometers away from such vital road infrastructure, according to the Global Road Safety Facility. Enhancing accessibility to rural roads can alleviate poverty through increased agricultural output, local market expansion driven by improved transport, and increased wages, and employment opportunities.