ASSESSMENT OF PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF PERI-URBAN RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBOURHOODS IN MINNA, NIGERIA

Abstract

Inadequate infrastructure and poor housing conditions are basic characteristics of peri-urban neighbourhoods in the less developed countries. This study assessed the physical characteristics of selected peri-urban neighbourhood in Minna, Nigeria. Cluster sampling method was adopted in the selection of the sampled neighbourhoods. A Total of 600 houses were sampled, while 29 housing and infrastructure attributes were adopted in determining the physical condition indices. Two-step cluster analysis was employed in assessing similarities in physical characteristics of environmental condition of the selected neighbourhoods. Analysis revealed that Environmental quality indices of the sampled neighbourhoods ranges between 0.60 and 0.73; rating the environmental conditions of the sampled neighbourhoods as fair, though quality of houses and conditions of infrastructure varies within and across the neighbourhoods. Conditions of houses in the selected neighbourhoods rated higher than the infrastructure provided in the neighbourhoods. This is an indication that all selected neighbourhoods are deficient in infrastructure to support increasing development of the built environment. Also, result of the Two-Step Cluster revealed that all sampled peri-urban residential neighbourhoods are distinct, yet similar in term of physical features. However, neighbourhoods in close proximity in term of geographical location are more similar in physical features than distant neighbourhoods. The study recommended participatory planning and infrastructure provision for the achievement of a sustainable and inclusive city.