Question
Africa has immense natural resources and yet it is industrially the most backward continent. Comment.
Solution
Africa has immense natural resources and yet it is industrially the most backward continent. Africa is the reserve house of many minerals such as copper, manganese, mineral oil, coal and other minerals. But these countries are backward in the field of manufacturing. The reasons are as under:
(i) Climate: The climate of most of the countries where mineral based industry can be set up is not favourable.
(ii) Shortage of labour: Due to the adverse condition of the climate hinders the labourer to work in the industries.
(iii) Lack of transport facilities: The African countries could not develop sufficient transport and communication services which are boon to modern industrialisation.
(iv) Modern Technology: The African countries have not the modern technology, therefore backward in industrialisation. Technological innovations are an important aspect of modem manufacturing.
(v) Energy source: Although the African countries are rich in coal, petroleum and water resources but they could not develop them to utilise in manufacturing.
Some countries export their wealth to other country. But due to lack of technology they could not convert their resource into power. All the industries depend on the energy.
