WAEC Geography 1998 Theory question 104

Theory question 104

Manufacturing Industry

(a) Highlight any three characteristics of manufacturing industries in Tropical Africa (b) State four ways by which manufacturing industries contribute to the economic development of Tropical Africa (c) Outline four problems facing industrial development in the region

Show the model answer
Model answer

(a) Mainly small-scale; produce consumer goods (food, drinks, textiles); depend on imported machinery and raw materials; concentrated in a few large towns and ports; many owned by foreign companies; import substitution.
(b) Jobs and incomes; goods for local needs; saves foreign exchange; government revenue; development of infrastructure; diversification of the economy; use of local raw materials.
(c) Inadequate capital; unreliable power; poor transport; shortage of skilled manpower; small market and low incomes; competition from imports; political instability and poor management.

Explanation

Keep characteristics, contributions and problems separate.