Theory question 102
Manufacturing Industry(a) With specific examples, explain the terms: (i) light industry (ii) heavy industry. (b) Highlight four factors that limit industrial development in tropical Africa.
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(a)(i) Light industry uses small quantities of light raw materials and produces light consumer goods, needs little capital and can be sited near markets, e.g. textiles, bakery, soft drinks, cosmetics, plastics.
(ii) Heavy industry uses large quantities of bulky raw materials and heavy machinery, needs huge capital and produces heavy goods often used by other industries, e.g. iron and steel (Ajaokuta), shipbuilding, petroleum refining, cement.
(b) Shortage of capital; inadequate and erratic power supply; poor transport and communication; shortage of skilled labour and technology; small home market due to low incomes; political instability; competition from imported goods; corruption and poor management; inadequate raw materials processing.
Give a named example for each term.