(a) Name two light industries and two heavy industries (b) Outline four factors which an industrialist must consider before locating an industry in a partic...

Answer Details

(a) Light and heavy industries:

• Two light industries: textile (garment) manufacturing; soap and cosmetics manufacturing (also food and beverage processing, electronics assembly).
• Two heavy industries: iron and steel manufacturing; cement manufacturing (also petroleum refining, shipbuilding, heavy machinery).

(b) Four factors an industrialist must consider before locating an industry:

• Availability of raw materials: the industry should be near its raw materials, especially where the material is bulky, heavy or perishable, to cut transport costs.
• Source of power/energy: a cheap and reliable supply of power (electricity, coal, oil, gas) is needed to run the machines.
• Supply of labour: nearness to a large pool of skilled and unskilled workers is important.
• Market: nearness to the market reduces the cost of distributing finished goods, especially bulky or fragile products.
• Transport and capital: good roads, rail, ports and adequate finance are also essential (water supply and land are further considerations).

(c) Four contributions of manufacturing industries to the economy:

• Employment: factories provide jobs for many people, raising incomes and standards of living.
• Increased national income and foreign exchange: manufactured goods add value and, when exported, earn foreign exchange for the country.
• Reduction of imports: local manufacturing of goods reduces dependence on imports and saves foreign exchange (import substitution).
• Development of infrastructure and other sectors: industry stimulates the growth of roads, power, banking and towns, and provides a market for agricultural and mineral raw materials.