Geography
Manufacuring Industry
Geography is the study of places and the relationship between people and their environment. Geographers explore both the physical properties of the Earth's surface and the human societies spread across it.In the context of dynamic and changing world, it is very crucial to study Geography so as to be able to achieve sustainable human development.
Manufacuring Industry
Introduction
In this topic, you will learn about the concept and importance of manufacturing industries, types of manufacturing industries, factors influencing the location of manufacturing industries, pollutants from the manufacturing industry, and production of cars in Japan, electronic equipment in South Korea, and textiles in Tanzania
OBJECTIVES
By the end of this topic you will be able to define the concept of manufacturing industry, explain the importance of manufacturing industry, describe the types of manufacturing industries in East Africa, identify products of each type of manufacturing industry, explain factors that are necessary and determine the location of industries, identify types of pollutants from manufacturing industries, explain how each pollutant affects the environment, industrial workers and the communities around the plant, explain the production of cars in Japan, electronic equipment in South Korea, and textiles in Tanzania, and identify lessons from Japan and South Korean industries for Tanzania
Concept and Importance of Manufacturing Industries
Manufacturing Industry
Define manufacturing industry
Manufacturing is the production of goods for consumption or sale using labour, machines, tools, chemical and biological processes or formulation.
The term manufacturing may refer to a range of human activities but is not commonly applied to industrial production, in which raw materials are transformed into finished goods on a large scale. The finished products resulting from the manufacturing process may be used for manufacturing other more complex products, such as aircraft, household appliances, automobiles, or sold to wholesalers, who in turn sell them to retailers, who finally sell them to end-users who are called consumers
Based on the meaning of manufacturing given above, the concept manufacturing industry refers to an industry that is involved in large scale manufacturing, processing, fabrication, or preparation of goods from raw material or commodities. Therefore, manufacturing industries are the industries concerned with processing and changing the raw materials into semi-processed or finished products or goods produced in large scale and sold to wholesalers
The Importance of Manufacturing Industry
Explain the importance of manufacturing industry
The manufacturing industry plays a vital role in the economy of many countries. Specifically, manufacturing industries contribute to the growth and strengthening of the economy of the country. The wealthiest countries in the world are heavily consisting of manufacturing industries. The manufacturing industry sector in a country is important in the following ways;
- Source of employment, Operations in any industry require manpower or labour. People are employed to undertake various activities carried out in the manufacturing industry. This helps lessen the problem of unemployment in the respective country
- Diversification of economy, Establishment and presence of manufacturing industries adds and provides more alternatives and sectors to the economy of the country. In particular, the manufacturing industries reduce dependence of the economy of a country on „nature based‟ sectors such as tourism, mining, fishing, animal keeping, crop growing and lumbering. The establishment and growth of manufacturing industries in a country helps the country’s economy not to collapse or be adversely affected but to remain stable even when majority of the „nature-based sectors‟ are affected or collapse
- Source of foreign exchange, The finished goods from manufacturing industries are often exported overseas. The sale of such goods earns the country the foreign currency (forex) needed for obtaining goods and services from other countries. The foreign exchange the stock of forex and hence improve the economy of the respective country
- Increased agricultural production, Establishment and growth of manufacturing industries improves agriculture mainly in two ways. First, some of the manufacturing industries need agricultural raw materials from crops and animal products, thus, they provide market for agricultural products. Additionally, industrial workers have stable and reliable income for buying agricultural products. Second, some manufacturing industries produce more advanced and improved tools and equipment for farmers to carry out their crop production and animal keeping. The improved tools and equipment increased size and quality of production
- It stimulates the development of transport and other service infrastructures, Establishment and growth of industries require establishment of transport network of roads and railways linking them to areas where raw materials are produced and for supplying to wholesalers (market points). Industries, therefore, lead to an improvement in transport infrastructure between their locations and the sources of raw materials and market points domestically and abroad (overseas). Industries also need power and water infrastructure set in place. Thus, they also lead to the improvement of public services which could have otherwise not been developed
- Improvement of international relations, The exchange of goods and services for money between countries help to improve the diplomatic relationship between the trade partners. This happens through the interaction of traders and business people between two or more trade partners
- Higher earning, Processing of raw materials to add value to a commodity, enabling the country to earn more by exporting processed goods than when exporting the unprocessed raw materials
- Reducing dependency on imports, Manufacturing industries enable the countries to become self-sufficient in the goods they produce and want. This means that the country can only import the goods and services that are not manufactured within its borders. This reduces dependency on imported goods; hence, saving the government revenue and foreign currency that could be spent on imported products. The revenue is consequently directed towards improvement of social services and wellbeing of the people in the country.
Types of Manufacturing Industries
Types of Manufacturing Industries in East Africa
Describe the types of manufacturing industries in East Africa
Classification and Types of Manufacturing Industries
Various criteria are used to classify manufacturing industries into various types. Based on the specialization and levels of processing the raw materials and the end products produced, manufacturing industries are categorized into two broad groups. They include processing industries and fabrication industries.
Processing industries
These are primary industries which convert the raw materials into products that can be used as raw materials for other industries which then process or convert them into finished goods. Examples of processing industries include coffee pulping plants, decorticators, cashew nut hullers and sisal processing factories.
Fabrication industries
These are primary industries which convert the partially processed raw materials from the processing industries into finished products
Types of Manufacturing Industries in East Africa.
There are different industries in East Africa which manufacture different products. Depending on the functions, the manufacturing industries in East Africa can be classified into six categories. They include energy industries, metallurgical industries, lumbering industries, food processing industries, textiles industries and chemical industries
- Energy industries, Energy industries are industries involved in the generation of electricity extraction and refining of petroleum. Most of the energy used in East Africa is HEP Energy industries are situated in fast flowing water, especially at waterfall point. The waterfalls turn turbines in power stations to generate electricity. Examples of hydroelectric power stations in East Africa include Kidatu, Hale, and Mtera in Tanzania; Masinga in Kenya; and the Owen falls in Uganda. Some energy used in East Africa is generated by using oil fuel. The oil is imported mainly from the Middle East and Gulf countries. The refinery of crude oil (petroleum) produces a variety of petroleum products such as petrol, refinery gas, and diesel, kerosene, lubricating oil and fuel oil
- Metallurgical industries, Metallurgical industries are industries involved in refining, alloying and fabrication of metals. The main metallurgical industry is the iron and steel industry. Other industries metallurgical industries smelt, refine and process other non-iron metals. Examples of other metallurgical industries include that manufacture iron sheets, wire mesh, iron bars, and other building materials. These industries are found in all East African countries. The metallurgical industries in Tanzania mainly use scrap metals as raw materials for manufacturing products such as iron nails, bars, and sheets
- Lumbering industries, Lumbering industries involve in production of timber, wood pulp, and other wood products. They are also involved in shaping of timber for making furniture such as beds, cupboards, doors
- Food processing industries, Food processing industries are industries which process agricultural raw materials (crop and animal products) into foodstuffs, food preservation, and food packaging. They are the most prominent and widespread industries in East Africa. Food processing industries in Tanzania include Bakhresa food processing industries which produce foodstuffs such as wheat and maize flours, cakes, juices pancake and other products
- Textile industries, Textile industries are industries that process plant, organic, or synthetic fibres into textile or clothing. For example, cotton fibres can be processed into cloths, clothes, canvas, sewing threads and many other textiles. Also, fibres such as wool can be processed into woollen clothing such as jerseys, cardigans, pullovers. Synthetic fibres are also widely used to make clothing and other items
- Chemical industries, Chemical industries are divided into three broad categories, namely, heavy chemicals (using mineral deposits or by-products), pharmaceuticals (drugs and medicine) and petrochemicals (chemicals derived from fuel sources). The products from chemical industries include medicines, plastic, fertilizer, cosmetics, toothpaste, detergents, paints, etc. A number of chemical industries are found in many towns in East Africa
Products of Each Type of Manufacturing Industry
Identify products of each type of manufacturing industry
Basing on the nature and bulkiness of the goods, manufacturing industries can also be classified as heavy, light or high-tech industries
- Heavy industries:These are capital-intensive and large scale industries involved in the manufacture of bulky and heavy products. The products are made by using raw materials like iron and steel. Examples of heavy industries are those involved in the manufacture of heavy machinery such as ships, cars, cranes, aeroplanes, bulldozers and rockets.
- Light industries:These are less capital-intensive industries involved in the manufacture of consumer goods, such as cosmetics, plastics, textiles, paper, shoes, consumer electronics and home appliances. These industries require only a small amount of raw materials, area, and power. The goods they manufacture are often small but of relatively high value per unit weight.
- High-tech industries:High technology industries, often abbreviated as high tech or hi-tech industries are the type of industries involved in the manufacture of high technology products, such as electronic goods. Examples of electronic devices include computers, phones, telephones, calculators, audio equipment, digital cameras, electrical equipment, etc. The high–tech industry is capital-intensive and reliant on research and development of new products or goods over time.
Factors for Location of Industries
Factors Necessary for Location of Industries
Name factors necessary for location of industries
Location of industries is mainly influenced by economic considerations and other non-economic considerations. Maximization of profit which involves minimization of the cost; minimization of the cost as much as possible is the most important criterion or goal when choosing particular places for the location of industries. The following are the factors that attract the location of industries
Raw materials
Availability and reliability of raw materials in terms of the quantity and quality needed is a fundamental determinant for the location of the industries in a place. Industries which use heavy and bulky raw materials in their primary stage in large quantities are usually located near the source of the raw materials. This is done so because transporting bulky and heavy raw materials over long distances may be very costly. For example, iron and steel industries in Germany are located in the iron mining areas of the Ruhr region for this reason.
Additionally, the raw materials which are perishable or lose weight in the process of manufacture also necessitate locating the industries near the sources of the raw materials. For instance, vegetable and fruit processing industries are often located in areas close to the source of their respective raw materials. Furthermore, the industries which depend on imported raw materials are normally located close to the points of arrivals such as seaports or along the coasts. For example, industries in Japan are concentrated close to the coast because they use imported raw materials through seaports
Power
Coal, mineral oil, natural gas and hydroelectricity are the four important conventional sources of power. A regular supply of power is a pre-requisite for the location of industries. Most industries are established at places near the source of power. Industries which mainly depend on large quantities of its power such as coal are located near the source of the respective power. For example, these iron and steel industries coking depend on coal as a source of power are frequently tied to coal fields. Others like the electro-metallurgical and electrochemical industries, which are great users of cheap hydro-electric power, are generally found in the areas of hydropower production. Example of such industries is an aluminium industry
Collectively, it is worth noting that, large and heavy industries are quite often established at a point which has the best economic advantage in obtaining power and raw materials. However, as petroleum can be easily piped and electricity can be transmitted over long distances by wires, it is possible to disperse the industries over a larger area if need be
Labour
Adequate supply of cheap and skilled labour is necessary for an industry. The attraction of an industry towards labour centres depends on the ratio of labour cost to the total cost of production. Labour supply is important in two respects: (a) workers in large numbers are often required; (b) people with skill or technical expertise are needed
Establishment of some industries depends on the nature and amount of labour required and the kind of goods and/or services produced. Labour-intensive industries are industries that require a large workforce. Therefore, labour intensive industries are located in places with abundant labour. Example of labour-intensive industries includes automobile industries. Some industries require skilled while others need semi-skilled or unskilled labour.
Industries requiring semi-skilled and unskilled labour are often located in urban centres where such labour is readily available. However, the unskilled labour force is also abundant in urban centres, which mainly consists of unskilled job seekers who move from the countryside to seek greener pastures in urban centres
Transport and communication
Transport by land or water is necessary for the movement of raw materials and for haulage and marketing of the finished products. Good transport and communication infrastructure is important for carrying raw materials to the industry and transporting finished goods from the industry to consumers. It is also required for moving workers, machinery, chemicals and other materials to and from the production sites
Communication is important in connecting with buyers and suppliers. Communication links are facilitated by phones and computers. Manufacturers can easily market and advertise their products via the internet. This also enables the buyers to make their order online, a fact that lowers their trading costs significantly.
Market
Nearness to market is essential for quick transport of manufactured goods. Nearness to the markets helps in reducing the transport cost and enables the consumer to get things at cheaper rates, A ready market is most essential for perishable and heavy products. Perishable products are such as vegetables, bread and milk. Industries producing heavy products should be located close to potential markets so as to reduce the transportation costs and eliminate the inconvenience encountered in the transportation of such products.
Water
Water is another important requirement for industries. Many industries are established near rivers, canals, and lakes because of this reason. Iron and steel, textile, coffee pulping, sugar cane processing, paper mills, brewing, soft drink and chemical industries require large quantities of water for their proper functioning.
Site
Site requirement for location of an industry is of utmost significance. An industry can only be located in an area if there is enough land space to build it. Sites, generally, should be flat and well served by adequate transport facilities. A large piece of land is required to build factories. Now, there is a tendency to set up industries in rural areas because the cost of land in urban centres has shot up.
Climate
Climate plays an important role in the establishment of industries at a place. Extreme and harsh climate do not attract establishment of industries. For example, extremely hot, humid, dry or cold climate do not attract and indeed are not suitable for establishment of industries. Favourable climatic condition favour availability of particular raw materials and establishment of respective industries. For example, cotton fabric industries require humid climate because cotton threads tend to break in a dry climate. Other things being constant areas with humid climate attract establishment of textile industries
Capital
Modem industries are capital-intensive and require huge investments. A lot of money is needed in the establishment of infrastructure and transportation of raw materials, goods and other requirements. Capital is also required to set up industrial machinery. However, capital does not influence the location of an industry to a large extent. It is only a problem in case the cost of land and rent rates, especially in urban areas, are extremely high.
Government policies
Government policy in planning the future distribution of industries, for reducing regional disparities, elimination of pollution of air and water, and for avoiding their heavy clustering in big cities, is an important factor in location of industries. The government may discourage the concentration of industries in one place due to a number of reasons as outlined below:
- Economic reasons: Industries should be distributed equitably in the country to ensure equitable development of all regions of the country. This will lead to job creation and hence solve the problem of rural-urban migration. For example, the location of many industries in different regions of Tanzania soon after independence was due to this reason.
- Political reasons: This is a case whereby political leaders dictate the location of an industry in a certain area for mere political gain.
- Environmental reasons: Industries produce much smoke and harmful waste. So they are always located away from residential areas, arable land or community water sources. This is done in order to avoid environmental pollution.
- Security reasons: All industries are not concentrated in just one area to avoid great loss in case of any sabotage or attack by terrors. It is, therefore, important to establish industries in different locations.
Industrial inertia
Industries tend to develop at the place of their original establishment, though the original cause for their location may no longer exist. This phenomenon is referred to as inertia. It is sometimes termed as geographical inertia or industrial inertia. Such industries may continue to exist in their previous locations due to reasons such as the availability of skilled and experienced labour, the presence of well- developed transport and communication network, avoiding the expenses that may be incurred in moving to a new place.
How Pollutants affect the Environment, Industrial Employees and the Communities around the Plant
Explain how each pollutant affects the environment, industrial employees and the communities around the plant
During operation, manufacturing industries produce various pollutants which can pollute the environment and affect employees and the community in the vicinity of an industry. These pollutants are likely to pollute the environment (land, water, air and organisms) if proper measures are not taken to control the release of pollutants to the environment. There are many pollutants resulting from manufacturing industries
Types of industrial pollutants
Industries release diverse pollutants which include gases, liquid waste, noise and particulate matter
Gases
Industries are the main sources of gaseous pollutants especially in heavily industrialized countries. These pollutants include carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulphur dioxide (SO2) and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).
- Effects on employees:The gases may be inhaled by the employees and cause serious health problems. For example, carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas which combines with haemoglobin in the blood and stops the haemoglobin carrying oxygen from the lungs to body tissue and vital organs (most notably the heart and the brain). Inhaling high levels of the gas can cause vision problems, physical or mental impairment and even death.
- Effects on the environment:The effects of industrial gases on the environment are many and have far-reaching consequences. The most notorious and notable effects include global warming, ozone layer depletion, acid rain, ocean acidification and soil pollution.
- Effects on the surrounding community:The gases may also affect the community living close to the industry. The effects include health problems, blurred visibility, coughing, and aggravation or complication of medical conditions of individuals with asthma, lung and heart diseases, and respiratory allergies. Some gases, particularly sulphur dioxide, are the main cause of acid rain which destroys the buildings, the soil and harms the animals. This can lead to low agricultural production and hence famine to the surrounding community.
Particulate matter,
- Effects on employees:The particulate matter can cause serious health problems to employees which include aggravating asthma, acute respiratory symptoms such as coughing and difficult or painful breathing, chronic bronchitis and decreased lung function that can be experienced as shortness in breathing.
- Effects on the environment:The main effects of particulate matter to the environment include reduced visibility (haze), soiling, and damage to materials. Solid particles, especially dust, can cover the plant leaves and hence interfere with the process of photosynthesis.The particles may be carried over long distances by wind and then settle on the ground or water. The effects of this settling include making the lakes and stream acidic, changing the nutrient balance in coastal waters and large river basins, depleting nutrients in the soil, damaging plants and crops, and affecting the diversity of ecosystem.
- Effects on the surrounding community:The particulate matter can deplete the nutrients in the soil and hence affected agricultural production, leading to a drop in food production and hence famine. Particle pollution can also stain and damage buildings and other materials, including culturally important objects such as statues and monuments.
Liquid waste
Industries produce the liquid wastes that contain toxic and poisonous chemicals. These wastes are often dumped in water bodies and sometimes on land. The chemicals contained in industrial wastes may include lead, mercury, sulphur, asbestos, nitrates and many other harmful substances.
- Effects on employees:The harmful liquid waste may cause skin diseases or burns if they come in contact with the skin. When they are accidentally ingested or if they get into the body through wounded skin, they may poison the body and can even cause death.
- Effects on the environment:Untreated liquid industrial waste may pollute water bodies and the land, and harm living organisms. When damped in water, they can poison fish and other marine flora and fauna. The chemicals can also pollute the soil and consequently destroy soil properties, kill beneficial soil microorganisms, and poison the crops.
- Effects on the surrounding community:The industrial chemicals can pollute the soil and make it unproductive, so this can limit or stop agricultural production. The crops grown on a soil polluted with chemicals can absorb the chemicals, which may get incorporated in plant bodies. When man eats such crops, the chemicals can pass into his body and affect him adversely.The chemicals can pollute drinking water sources, thus rendering the water unwholesome for community consumption and commercial uses. If people use the water from polluted water bodies the chemical in water may harm their health in one way or another. It can also kill fish and other marine life due to chemicals dumped in water.
Noise
Industries produce a lot of noise which can have adverse effects on the environment and the community.
- Effects on employees:Prolonged exposure of employees to loud noise may cause loss of hearing and give rise to rapid ear damage. Noise can not only cause hearing impairment but it also acts as a causal factor for stress and headache. It is also known to cause blood pressure. Additionally, it can be a causal factor in employee accidents both by masking hazards and warning signs, and by hindering concentration.
- Effects on the environment:Loud noise may cause migration of animals from a certain area and hence result in the imbalance of ecosystem. Intense vibrations caused by a loud noise may loosen the soil, making it vulnerable to soil erosion agents.
- Effects on the surrounding community:Noise can cause loss of concentration and hearing to people living close to industries.The loud noise also interferes with people’s sleep making them less productive. It also makes it difficult for people to hold talks as they have to use a lot of energy to shout so as to hear and understand each other. It may also lead to poor health in young children by interfering with their normal sleeping routines.
Ways of reducing industrial pollution
- Locating industries reasonably away from residential areas.
- Thoroughly treating all industrial wastes before being disposing them into water bodies or on land. Treating focus reducing and destroying the chemicals that harmful to people and other organisms or other non-living components of the earth such as Soil structure and fertility
- Emphasise and introduce policies and bylaws to enforce and recycling of industrial wastes. Using energy-efficient combustion engines so as to minimize the release and emission of harmful gases to the environment
- Conduct lubrication of moving parts of machinery timely and effectively in order to reduce the amount of noise production. Employees should use ear plugs (earmuffs) to protect their ears from damage by extreme levels of noise during work
- The government formulate and enforce policies that govern sustainable industrial production without causing environmental pollution. These include fines or closure of industries for violating health and environmental protection procedures or conditions
- The government should formulate policies that govern sustainable industrial production without causing environmental pollution, and any industry violating the rules should be fined heavily or even get closed altogether.
- Developing and using alternative energy sources such as solar energy and wind power which do not pollute the environment.
Focal Studies
The Production of Cars in Japan, Electronic Equipment in South Korea and Textiles in Tanzania
Explain the production of cars in Japan, electronic equipment in South Korea and textiles in Tanzania
Manufacturing of Cars in Japan
Japan is a country which consists of a chain of islands located in eastern Asia between the North Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Japan. Its major islands are Hokkaido, Honshu (the largest and most populous), Kyushu and Shikoku. Japan is one of the world’s industrialized countries. It is one of the leading countries in car manufacturing in the world. The Japanese automobile industry is one of the most prominent and largest industries in the world. Japan has been among the top three most car manufacturing countries in the world since 1960
The country is the home to a number of companies that produce cars, construct vehicles, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), and engines. Japan automobile manufacturers include Toyota, Honda, Daihatsu, Nissan, Suzuki, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Subaru, Isuzu, Kawasaki, Yamaha and Mitsouka. The automobile manufacturing process involves making car parts and assembling the parts to form complete cars. The manufacturing of car parts is done by other companies using designs provided to them by the car manufacturer (Figure 7.1)
After assembling the parts, the car engines are tested, followed by painting of the complete cars. Most of these activities are performed by robots and other machines under the supervision of humans. A number of factors have contributed to the growth of car manufacturing industries in Japan. The main factors include adequate capital, advanced technology, accessibility, market availability, labour availability, good infrastructure, adequate energy resources, commitment and hardworking spirit

A number of factors have contributed to growth of car manufacturing in Japan. The factors include the following:
- Adequate capital:Car manufacturing companies have been conducting this business over a long period of time, so they have grown big financially and have attracted many financial institutions to lend them the capital they require to expand and extend their business. By the way, Japan is a rich country with a very stable economy. This has enabled it to finance the automobile industry adequately.
- Advanced technology:Japan has an advanced technology in car manufacturing and this technology has been advancing with time. Computerisation and use of robots has improved production efficiency. Research in automobile technology is being conducted in order to come up with better methods of production and new car models.
- Accessibility:Japan’s location makes it accessible from all directions by sea. As such, ships that bringing in raw materials and ships transporting finished products from the car manufacturing industries anchor and set sail from Japan’s ports.
- Market availability:Japan’s manufactures produce very durable, reliable, and popular cars. Thus, their cars are sold in many countries due to their relatively low cost of purchase and maintenance. This has provided car manufactures with a wide market. However, its car market has decreased slightly in recent years, particularly due to old and new competition from South Korea, China and India. Still, automobile export remains one of the country’s most profitable exports.
- Availability of labour:Japan has a large number of qualified and skilled personnel to work in the automobile industry. Though robots and other machines are also used in production, humans still remain the main workforce. Availability of considerably cheap labour tends to lower the cost of production and maximise profit. This is the reason cars made in Japan are affordable to many buyers, including the very poor African and Asian countries.
- Good infrastructure:Japan has very advanced and well maintained infrastructures, which undergoes regular upgrading and expansion. These include roads, modern railways systems, canals, seaports, and airports.
- Adequate energy resources:Car manufacturing industries need a lot of power. Japan has got numerous hydroelectric power stations, coal, and nuclear energy reactors, among other sources, that provide the energy required to operate its industries.
- Commitment and hard-working spirit:The Japanese are hard working people; they are committed in their jobs and the development of their country. This spirit has boosted their car manufacturing industry as well as other industries
The electronic equipment industry in South Korea
South Korea is located in East Asia, on the southern half of the Korean Peninsula. The only country with a land border to South Korea is North Korea. South Korea is mostly surrounded by water. To the West is the Yellow Sea, to the South is the East China Sea, and to the East is the Sea of Japan.
Although South Korea’s political scene has experienced a lot of instability, its economy has grown rapidly to become one of the best in the world. This has been geared (spearheaded) by its giant electronic industry, a light industry that produces products such as television sets, radiocassette recorders, microwave ovens, radios, watches, computers, video tapes, calculators and memory cards, among many others. The leading manufacturers of electronics in South Korea include Samsung and LG.
A number of factors have led to growth and development of South Korea’s electronics industry. These factors include the following:
- Adequate labour:South Korea has a large population of skilled and experienced labourers who work in the electronic industry. Because the industry is based on research and development, students are encouraged to take science subjects in schools and colleges, ensuring the modelling of future engineers, scientists and technical traders.
- Availability of capital:The giant electronic companies in South Korea have so far accumulated much wealth to invest in research and development of the electronic industry. Furthermore, the companies are trusted by big financial institutions which are ready and willing to borrow them whenever they need capital. The government’s financial support is also at the maximum.
- Advanced technology:South Korea has kept up with the changing trends in electronics technology. Indeed, in some areas, South Korea has set the standards in new technology. This has given its electronic industry an edged over other electronic manufacturers.
- Improved research:Research in electronics industry to come up with improved and modern products is very crucial in the development of the electronic industry in South Korea. A lot of the fund is injected into research to design high quality products to meet the changing market demands as well as liaise with stiff competition from other countries like China, Japan and North Korea.
- Availability of market:South Korea is one of the most populous countries in the world. So there is a wide internal market for some of the products while a big portion is exported. Electronic products are always on high and persistent demand due the dynamic nature of electronics technology.
- Affordability of the products:The electronic products from South Korea are of high quality but affordable. This makes them popular around the world, hence highly marketable.
- Government support:The government of South Korea is very supportive to the electronics industry through laying down policies and business-friendly environment, which has promoted the growth and development of the industry. The government also provides financial support in areas like research and development. This has encouraged investment in the industry.
- International relations:South Korea has a good relationship with many countries in the world. This has attracted many countries to become trade partners with South Korea, hence expanding markets for its electronic goods.
- Well developed infrastructure:South Korea has well development transport and communication infrastructures which include an extensive network of railways, roads, seaways and airways that criss-cross the country. Thus, the raw materials and finished goods are transported easily. This makes the export of raw materials cost-effective.
- Availability of energy:South Korea generates power through various means. These include nuclear power, which accounts for 45% of the total power production. The other energy sources are thermal and hydroelectric powers. Energy for use in electronics industry is abundantly available and affordable.
The textile industry in Tanzania
The Tanzania textile industry was developed in 1970's as part of the government’s efforts to industrialize the economy. More than thirty textile mills, most of them owned by the government, were established and were operational throughout the 1980's.
Before the economic reforms of the early 1990s, the textile sector was thriving well in the country. The withdrawal of government support, removal of trade barriers, and international competition contributed to the immediate collapse of the textile industry. The giant textiles industries such as Urafiki textile, Mbeya textile, Musoma textile and Mwanza Textile stopped operating between 1990s and 2000 amid and after the 1990s economic reforms
The government sold off the textile plants to private investors. Subsequently, the private investors rebuilt the plants. However, much of the methods of production, machinery and equipment in the textile plants were out-dated despite of the rebuilding
The machinery and equipment that fitted were replacing or upgrading to the textile plants were second hand and were already compared to the modern ones that are in use in other countries. This in turn puts the upgraded plants less competitive in terms of amount and quality of textile finished products. As a result, the Tanzanian textiles do not produce finished products that command high demand in the domestic market and world market
Alongside the technological setback, other factors have contributed to collapse of textile industry in Tanzania. The collapse of the textile industry was due to inadequate supply of cotton lint, lack of power or power rationing, high power tariffs and unfair competition from imports. Other factors include devaluation of Tanzania currency which was part of the economic reforms which the country adopted between 1990s and 2000s. This made buying the required spare parts for the machines and other equipment even more expensive
Today the textile industry is owned and operated by the private textile companies. Currently, there are 59 industries located in different parts of the country, 36 of which are based in Dar es Salaam. A few of these industries are those that were privatized by the government.
The government of Tanzania is trying hard to create a favourable investment climate for the textile industry, but the sector is still performing poorly and hence not contributing significantly to the country’s economy. Homemade textiles are of poor quality but very expensive as compared to those imported from other countries. As a result, most buyers have turned their attention towards purchase and use of second-hand clothes (mitumba) which are durable but affordable.
Problems facing the textile industry in Tanzania
- Outdated machinery:The machinery in most of the textile-manufacturing industries is old. Therefore, the final products manufactured by these industries are of low quality and thus not competitive in the market, both locally and internationally. These machines also have limited capacity which, in turn, limits production.
- High cost of power:The cost of power in Tanzania is considerably higher compared to other countries. This leads to high production costs and, consequently, high prices for textile products. Given that the products are generally poor, they are hence hardly sellable.Through power is very costly, it is also not supplied adequately and persistently mainly because of obsolete transmission system, drought and high oil prices, among others. This problem discourages many investors who would like to invest in the textile industry.
- High cost of spare parts:The cost of spare parts for textile machinery is very high. Sometimes these spare parts are not available in the market because the technology is old and outdated. Most manufactures have stopped manufacturing such spare parts. In addition, carrying out repairs for textile machinery is a very expensive task.
- Lack of skilled labour:The lack of skilled labour in Tanzania prompts dependency on imported labour and skills which are very expensive. Sometimes when machinery breakdown occurs, the operation has to be halted until the imported skilled labour is available to fix it. This leads to stoppage of production and hence, financial losses.
- Competition:The industry faces tough competition from second-hand clothes, known as mitumba, and high quality clothes imported from other countries. Due to this reason, the existing small market has considerably diminished the textile market even further.
- High taxes:Tanzania is one of the countries with many meaningless taxes. The high taxes levied on the textile industry by the government leads to low profits, a heart-breaking challenge to investors.
- High cost of chemicals: he chemicals used in the textile industry, such as sulphuric acid, are imported from abroad using the foreign currency. This, plus other reasons, makes the textile industry unprofitable and thus a difficult business to operate. Imports add highly to operation costs in the textile sector.
- Low capital:Many textile industries operate with limited capital which greatly curtails their abilities to increase production capacity, improve their machinery, or purchase raw materials and industrial chemicals.
- Poor infrastructures:Tanzania is among the countries with very poor transport and communication infrastructures. The poor state of infrastructures means increased transport cost of raw materials from production areas and finished goods from industries to consumers. High production costs lowers the profit margin and hence the capability of industries to operate in a sustainable manner.
- Poor management:The development of the manufacturing industry was previously hampered by poor and horrible management practices. The rate of corruption and poor management is still rampant in this country, a fact that makes it hard for companies with big financial muscles to come and invest in Tanzania in various sectors of the economy.
Ways of encouraging the development of the textile industry in Tanzania
- The government should support the industry financially, which can be done by offering soft loans to companies that are involved or interested to invest in the textile sector, or through buying shares in these companies. The government could also fund researches on the development of the textile industry.
- The government should come up with favourable policies which encourage the growth and development of the textile industry. This may include reviewing tax rates and power tariffs, as well as reviewing policies on importation of second-hand clothes from abroad. It should also consider the possibility of exempting taxes on materials imported for textile manufacturing.
- There is need to improve the production technology to enable production of quality textile products which will be easily marketable. Alternatively, the outdated industrial machinery should be replaced by the new modern machinery that produces high quality and up-to date textile products.
- Market researches should be conducted tirelessly, aiming at development of new products and finding alternative and cheap means of production. The new products will help boost and push the industry forward.
- Labour should be trained well about textile technology and production. This can be achieved through introducing textile production courses in vocational colleges and in schools and universities.
- The government and other stakeholders should improve transport and communication infrastructures so as to reduce the production costs incurred for transporting the textile products and raw materials.
- The government has relaxed the regulations on importation of raw materials and exportation of goods abroad. This has enabled stakeholders in the textile industry to export their products timely and without incurring high costs.
- Tanzania is a member of regional organizations, such as the East African community (EAC), and the Southern Africa Development Communality (SADC). Therefore, Tanzania’s textile industry benefits significantly from this combined market of about 150 million people. Market availability will automatically boost the textile industry.
Lessons from Japan and South Korea Industries for Tanzania
Identify lessons from Japan and South Korea industries for Tanzania
Lessons for Tanzania
- The industries in South Korea and Japan are well managed, perform well and make profits. Management of the industries involves setting objectives and working hard to achieve them. The management also ensures that there is no corruption scandals, embezzlement or misuse of company resources. Likewise, for Tanzania’s textile industry to develop and grow needs to adopt and maintain the management practices of South Korea and Japan
- The well-developed transport and communication infrastructure in South Korea and Japan play a big role in the development of industries. This is because it facilitates the movement of goods and raw materials efficiently. Tanzania also needs to improve the transport and communication infrastructures in order to enhance the textile industry in the country. The development and improvements of transport and communication infrastructures will reduce the production costs which are currently high. This will in turn encourage more companies from within the country and abroad to invest in the textile industry
- Japan and South Korea industries put more emphasis on research and development of products and technology. Likewise, the government of Tanzania and the existing private investors need to invest more in research in order to come up with new and better production methods and finished products that will attract more market
- South Korea and Japan have invested a lot in training and development of labour. Tanzania as well needs to do the same. This will ensure a constant supply of skilled labour to support the growth and expansion of industries in the country
- The Koreans and Japanese are very hard-working people and more committed to their jobs. This is the reason why their industries produce more products of high quality. Tanzanians in various capacities of textile industry need to adopt the culture of hard working as well
- Japan and South Korea have formulated policies that favour growth and development of industries. The government of Tanzania need to formulate more policies that favour development of textile industry. Additionally, the government of Tanzania needs to negotiate for more favourable trade agreements with other countries to provide a market for its textile industrial products. The industrial products from both South Korea and Japan are of high quality and can be sold in any country in the world. Industries in Tanzania should follow similar approach by producing goods that meets international standards. This can be achieved by producing quality and affordable products
- Japan and South Korea keep up to date with development and technology for their textile industries. The government of Tanzania needs to use more initiatives and investments to match with changes in technological advancements for producing textile product that meet the current demands of the customers within the country and abroad
- Japan and South Korea exploit different energy resources which include nuclear energy, thermal energy, coal and hydroelectricity an aspect which ensure more cheap and reliable supply of energy and power for production in textile industries. Tanzania needs also harness the untapped resources to produce more energy and power will also enhance production and distribution of textile finished products. This will in turn avoid the sole dependence on hydroelectricity which is unreliable and expensive. The government should invest more in the generation of electricity from coal at Kiwira and natural gas (at SongoSongo)
Chapter Summary
There are two main types of industries, namely, manufacturing industries and fabrication industries. Fabrication industries include heavy industries, light industries and high-tech industries
The importance of manufacturing industry includes source of employment, diversification of economy, source of foreign exchange, increase of agricultural production and stimulation of the development of infrastructure. Others include higher earning, reducing dependency on imports and improvement of international relations
The factors that influence location of industries include raw materials, labour, power, transport and communication, market, water, site, climate, capital, government policies, and industrial inertia. Industrial activities produce a number of pollutants. They include gases, particulate matter, liquid waste, and noise
Industrial pollution can be reduced by treating and recycling the industrial wastes, locating industries away from human residence, using energy-efficient devices, lubrication, industrial policies, and using alternative energy sources.
Types of manufacturing industries in East Africa include energy industries, metallurgical industries, lumbering industries, food processing industries. Others include textile industries and chemical industries
Factors that have led to the growth and development of South Korea’s electronics industry include adequate labour, availability of capital, advanced technology, improved research, and availability of market. Other factors include affordability of the products, government support, international relations, well-developed infrastructure and availability of energy
The problems that face the textile industry in Tanzania include out-dated machinery, high cost of power, high cost of spare parts, lack of skilled labour and competition from other countries. Other problems include high taxes, high cost of chemical, low capital, poor infrastructures and poor management
Revision Questions
Question Time 7
A. 1. Manufacturing is .
- production of goods for sale only
- production of goods meant for consumption
- production of goods for sale or consumption
- industrial conversion of processed products into finished products
2. Processing industries convert raw materials into products that can be used as raw materials for .
- fabrication industries
- heavy industries
- chemical processing industries
- metallurgical industries
3. _____are reliant on research and development
- Heavy industries
- Light industries
- Processing industries
- High-tech industries
4. The industries involved in the manufacture of consumer goods are____
- heavy industries
- light industries
- hi-tech industries
- primary industries
5. Which of the following factors has no influence on the location of industries?
- Availability of raw materials
- Availability of fuel and power
- Reliable transport and communication facilities
- The nature and characteristic of the soil
6. Which of the following is not a benefit of the manufacturing industry?
- Stimulation of infrastructure development
- Source of foreign exchange
- Diversification of the economy
- Improvement of banking services
7. Profit maximization in manufacturing industries is achieved through .
- maximization of operation costs
- selling goods at high prices
- minimization of operation costs and losses
- location of industries in rural areas
8. In the location of industries, the source of raw materials is given first priority, especially if raw materials are .
- light and costly
- heavy and bulky
- non-perishable
- easy to transport
9. The main gases produced by industries, and which pollutes the environment include_____
- Hydrogen, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide
- Carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides and oxygen
- Chlorofluorocarbons, sulphur dioxide and hydrogen sulphide
- Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and sulphur dioxide
10. One of the health effects of the gases produced by industries is .
- Diarrhoea and dysentery
- Aggravation of medical conditions for individuals with respiratory diseases
- Increased susceptibility to suffering from chronic diseases
- Lowering of the body’s passive immunity
11. One of the lists below contains processing industries only
- Coffee pulping plants, decorticators, cashew nut hullers
- Sisal processing factories, sawmills, posh mills
- Cashew nut hullers, decorticators, textile industries
- Leather industries, sugar cane factories, textile industries
12. One of the problems affecting the textile industry in Tanzania is high costs of power. The best solution to this problem is .
- Diversifying power production and allowing private investors to invest in energy generation
- Abstaining the use of hydropower and switching to other energy sources
- Constructing more dams and filling them with water so as to increase energy generation capacity
- Use of wind and solar energy only
13. Which one of the following factors led to the collapse of the textile industry in Tanzania?
- Increased competition from private investors
- High dependency on government subsidies
- Economic recession
- Withdrawal of government support
14. One of the factors favouring the growth of Japan’s automobile industry is .
- trade liberalization
- superior technology
- favourable climate
- obsolete technology
15. The effects of harmful gases produced by industries can be minimized by .
- Wearing earmuffs
- Putting on boots and overalls all the time while at work
- Shielding away all the activities that produce harmful gases
- Reducing the noise produced by moving parts of machinery through lubrication
B. Short answers questions
- Define the term “manufacturing”
- Mention the two broad types of manufacturing industries
- Outline the factors influencing the location of industries
- Mention the types of manufacturing industries in East Africa
- Differentiate between processing and fabrication industries
- What do you understand by the term heavy industries?
- Why are hi-tech industries so called?
- Mention five factors to be considered in the location of manufacturing industries
- Outline five ways of reducing industrial pollution
- What problems hinder the development of manufacturing industry in Tanzania?
- What lessons can be learnt from Japan’s and South Korea’s industries for Tanzania?
- Explain the factors favouring the development of electronic equipment industry in South Korea
REFERENCES
- Focus, F.D and Said, S.N (2014). Fundamentals of Geography Form Two. Longhorn Publishers. Dar es Salaam
- Msabila, D.T. (2003). A Focal Study on Human and Economic Aspects. Afroplus Industries. Dar es Salaam
- Mzezele,S.andKibuuka,P. (2014).GeographyInFocusForm Two.OxfordUniversityPress Ltd.DaresSalaam
- Peterson, J.H. (1976). Land, Work and Resources: An Introduction to Economic Geography. Edward Arnold. London
- TaasisiyaElimuyaTaifa (1981). WafanyakaziwaAfrikaMashariki. Printpak/MTUU. Dar es Salaam
- TanzaniaInstituteofEducation(2002).GeographyCourseBookforSecondarySchoolsBookTwo.EcoprintLtd.DaresSalaam
- Young, F.W. (1978). Europe and the Soviet Union. Edward Arnold. London
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