THE IMPACT OF TRANSPORTATION AND STORAGE CHALLENGES ON THE BUSINESSES OF MARGINALIZED COMMUNITIES: EXPLORING SOLUTIONS

Abstract

This research investigation is on how transportation and storage issues can cause the slowdown of hitherto neglected communities in Bangladesh. This communities, very often, have no means of transportation, which is why they cannot reach wider markets. Therefore, their avenues for growth are limited. The research, based on the study of small-scale entrepreneurs, including those in non-agriculture sectors such as handicrafts, textiles, and local manufacturing, who are hard hit by logistic infrastructure, brings out the pervasiveness of this problem into our economic landscape. The lack of good transportation options leads to a situation where the cost of moving goods is increased, and the time taken to access the markets is increased also, which results in product loss and consequently lowered profit margins from inefficient or none storage facilities. These problems, in turn, become a source of poverty which is almost impenetrable and almost impossible to tackle. The research suggests measures such as the establishment of cost-effective transportation centers in rural and semi-urban areas, with the ultimate goal of developing shared cooperative storage spaces that are not only cheap to maintain but are also reachable through proper transportation. Moreover, the research also calls for the full implementation of digital technologies, for instance, mobile platforms, which will function as the connection hub between small businesses and consumers. This can be done by skipping the normal processes, hence, saving time. The main idea of this research is to make the market accessible and the possibility of people increasing their income. It is also designed to promote the inclusivity of economic development among the underrepresented segments of the country. Finally, the beneficiaries should be empowered, and there must be a reduction in the socioeconomic divide.