(a) With specific examples; explain the terms: (i) light industry (ii) heavy industry (b) Highlight four factors that limit industrial development in tropic...

Answer Details

(a) Explanation of terms with examples

(i) Light industry: A light industry is one that uses light, small quantities of raw materials to produce light, small or low-weight finished goods, generally requiring less capital, space and power. Its products are usually not bulky and are often consumer goods. Examples: textile/garment making, food and beverage processing, soap making, electronics/assembly of small appliances.

(ii) Heavy industry: A heavy industry is one that uses large quantities of heavy, bulky raw materials to produce heavy, bulky finished goods, requiring large capital, much power, large space and heavy machinery. Examples: iron and steel manufacturing, shipbuilding, cement production, petroleum refining, automobile (heavy machinery) manufacturing.

(b) Four factors that limit industrial development in tropical Africa

1. Shortage of capital: There is inadequate finance to establish and run modern industries and to buy machinery.
2. Inadequate skilled labour: There is a shortage of trained technicians, engineers and managers to run industries efficiently.
3. Poor infrastructure and power supply: Unreliable electricity, poor roads, railways and water supply raise costs and discourage industry.
4. Small home market and poor technology: Low incomes give a small purchasing market, while poor level of technology and over-dependence on imported machinery and spare parts slow industrial growth (political instability also discourages investment).