ANALYSIS OF RESIDENTS’ LOCATIONAL PREFERENCES IN THE PERI-URBAN RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBOURHOODS OF MINNA, NIGERIA

Abstract

Households make decision on their residential location after sorting out all issues relating to their demographic characteristics. This study therefore aimed at assessing the core and auxiliary factors influencing residents’ choice of peri-urban residential neighbourhoods of Minna in Niger State, Nigeria. Six peri-urban neighbourhoods were selected for the study from which 600 households were sampled. Results of analysis revealed that household’s income, house rents, proximity to places of work and security are core factors influencing resident’s decision in the choice of residential location while land rents, presence of infrastructure and ethnic/religious factors are auxiliary factors. Friedman’s test revealed more favourable rankings of land value factor over the other six factors. However, results of analysis (chi-square = 25.43; df=6; p=0.000 is < 0.01), indicated that there was a differential rank ordered preference for the seven (7) factors across the selected neighbourhoods. Economic empowerment, investment in residential housing, infrastructure refurbishing and provision were recommended for the attainment of optimum satisfactions in individual household’s choice of residential location and for the achievement of sustainable development in the peripherals.