Import substitution as a strategy of industrialization is the

Analyze the question: It asks for the meaning of import substitution as an industrialization strategy.

Explain the concept: Import substitution industrialization (ISI) is a policy where a country reduces its dependence on foreign goods by producing those goods locally. The aim is to replace imports with domestically manufactured products. Governments usually support this with tariffs, quotas, import bans, and incentives for local manufacturers. Nigeria used this approach in the 1960s and 1970s, for example by setting up local factories to make textiles, soap, cement, and assembled vehicles.

Evaluate the options:

• A. Replacement of locally produced goods with imported ones: This is the opposite of import substitution. It would increase imports. Wrong.
• B. Development of locally produced goods with imported ones: The wording is clumsy. The intended meaning is the development of local production to take the place of (substitute for) imported goods. Of the four options, it is the closest to the idea of building up local production in place of imports. This is the official answer.
• C. Establishment of firms to process imported raw materials: This describes industries that depend on imported inputs. It is not the definition of import substitution. Wrong.
• D. Using local inputs to produce goods for export: This is export promotion, not import substitution. Wrong.

Note on the wording: Option B is awkwardly phrased. A better version would be "development of locally produced goods to replace imported ones.

Answer: B

Exam tip: Remember it this way: Import substitution = Make at home what you used to buy abroad. If an option talks about exporting, it is export promotion. If it talks about increasing imports, it is the opposite of the strategy. When the wording of a WASSCE option looks odd, choose the one closest to the core idea.