Farmers may produce crops in excess of the actual demand, or they may all produce at one time, flooding the market. The lack of appropriate storage and processing facilities and techniques prevents preservation of seasonal surpluses. Farmers' investments in production become more costly and risky when marketing, storage and distribution are inefficient. When local markets are lacking, for instance, produce cannot be sold. The rural markets that do exist often lack basic infrastructure such as shelter from the elements, resulting in losses from spoilage and in contamination, with consequent health risks.
Transport often represents a major component of the final cost of food.
Prices can become prohibitive when transport costs exceed the value of the produce. Spoilage rates soar when trucks taking produce to market must slowly navigate around potholes on crumbling rural roads. Bad roads also cause greater wear and tear on vehicles, the cost of which is ultimately borne by consumers. Where the consumers will be Explosive urban growth presents challenges for food supply and distribution, as a shrinking rural population must feed an expanding city population. FROM making food readily available, rural markets enhance local food security by providing a source of income for agricultural and non-agricultural labourers and artisans.