Geographical characteristics of small industries in the Republic of Yemen: an analytical study in economic geography

Abstract

Small industries are the cornerstone of the industrial development process, as they are considered the most effective sector in mobilizing skilled and semi-skilled labor towards the industrialization process. Their importance is evident and increasing in developing countries, including the Republic of Yemen. This study aims to shed light on the geographical distribution of small industries in the Republic of Yemen, their industrial structure, and the relative importance of small industry branches. It also highlights some of the geographical characteristics of small industries in the Republic of Yemen by examining industrial size, the industrial strength index, industrial diversity, and the diffusion coefficient. The study found spatial variation in the distribution of the structure of small industries in the Republic of Yemen and the factors that influenced it, reflected in the highest industrial concentration in five governorates: the Capital Secretariat, Taiz Governorate, Ibb Governorate, Hadhramaut Governorate, and Al Hudaydah. The study concludes with a presentation of the most important findings and recommendations.