(a)Outline five reasons for industrial localization (b) Explain five benefits of establishing manufacturing industries in rural areas?

Answer Details

(a) Five reasons for industrial localization (why industries cluster in particular places)

1. Nearness to raw materials: industries that use bulky or perishable raw materials locate close to their source to cut transport costs (for example cement near limestone).
2. Availability of power/energy such as hydroelectricity, coal or gas needed to run machines.
3. Nearness to market: industries settle near large populations that buy their goods, especially where the product is bulky or fragile.
4. Supply of labour: a large pool of skilled and unskilled workers attracts industry.
5. Good transport and infrastructure (roads, rail, ports, water) and the pull of existing industries and services (agglomeration), which make one another cheaper to run.

Also acceptable: availability of capital, water supply and favourable government policy.

(b) Five benefits of establishing manufacturing industries in rural areas

• Creation of rural employment, reducing joblessness and idleness in the villages.
• Reduction of rural-urban migration, since young people find work at home instead of crowding into cities.
• Development of rural infrastructure: roads, electricity, water and health services are provided to serve the industry and the community.
• Raising of rural incomes and standard of living, and a wider market for local farm produce used as raw materials.
• Even (balanced) regional development, spreading wealth to the countryside and easing pressure and congestion in the towns.