Most industries in the West African sub-region are

Analyze the question: The question asks about the typical scale of industries in West Africa as a whole. It is about the structure of industrial development in the sub-region.

Explain the concept: Industries are classified by size, using capital invested, number of workers and output:

• Small-scale: few workers, little capital, simple tools, often family-owned or run by one person. Examples are local tailoring, blacksmithing, soap making, gari processing, pottery, and weaving.
• Medium-scale: a moderate workforce and capital.
• Large-scale / capital intensive: heavy investment, advanced machinery, and many workers. Examples are oil refineries, steel mills, and cement plants.

Step-by-step reasoning:

1. West African countries are mostly developing economies. Capital, advanced technology, and reliable power are limited.
2. Most manufacturing and processing is done by individuals, families, or small firms, and much of it is in the informal sector. Examples are gari processing, palm oil extraction, craft work, and local food processing.
3. Large-scale and capital-intensive industries (options A and D) exist, such as refineries, breweries, and cement plants. However, they are fewer in number and concentrated in a few cities.
4. Medium-scale industries (option C) exist but are less common than small-scale ones.
5. So the majority of industries are small-scale.

Answer: B. small-scale

Exam tip: When a question says "most" about industries in a developing region, think small-scale and labour-intensive. Large-scale and capital-intensive industries are the exception, not the rule.