ABSTRACT
Although the majority of people in developing countries depend on agricultural production for their livelihood, the industrial sector has just as important a part to play in support of agriculture and, increasingly, as a direct source of income for masses of poor people. In the past, development strategies have tended to emphasize large-scale, capital-intensive, urban industries based on imported technologies and skills, promoting goods which cannot be afforded by a large majority of the population and creating few employment opportunities. Many such industries have proved to be “white elephants” , depending on government subsidies and foreign equipment and expertise for their continued existence. Few have had any major impact in terms of contributing to sustained development.
