(a) Outline five factors that should he considered in the location of an industry (b) State five benefits of industrialization to a country

Answer Details

(a) Five factors to consider in the location of an industry

• Raw materials: nearness to the source, especially for bulky, heavy or perishable materials, to cut transport costs.
• Power/energy supply: availability of reliable electricity, gas or fuel to run machines.
• Market: nearness to the consumers of the product, especially for bulky, fragile or perishable finished goods.
• Labour: availability of enough skilled and unskilled workers at reasonable cost.
• Transport: good roads, railways, ports or waterways to move raw materials in and goods out.
• (Also: water supply, capital, land, and government policy.)

(b) Five benefits of industrialisation to a country

• Employment: industries create many jobs and reduce unemployment.
• Economic growth and income: they raise national income (GDP) and government revenue through taxes.
• Foreign exchange: export of manufactured goods earns foreign currency and reduces dependence on imports.
• Development of infrastructure: industrialisation brings roads, power, water and communications and stimulates towns.
• Diversification and self-reliance: it processes local raw materials, adds value, and reduces overdependence on primary products; it also promotes skills and technology.