IMPACT OF URBANIZATION ON HOUSING ADEQUACY IN SUB- URBAN AREAS IN ISEYIN, NIGERIA

Urbanization has significantly transformed sub-urban areas across Nigeria. The study examines level, pattern and impact of urbanization on housing adequacy, residents' perception on housing adequacy and factors influencing residents' perception on housing adequacy in sub-urban areas of Iseyin. The study utilized multistage sampling procedure. Random sampling technique was used to randomly select five (5) sub-urban localities. Systematic technique was used to select two (2) out of every ten (10) residential buildings in the selected localities, the buildings selected systematically were 204 residents. Two hundred and four copies of a questionnaire were administered on residents selected from each of the chosen building. Data were analyzed using descriptive methods and presented using charts, tables, and percentage. Factors of Housing Adequacy Index (FHAI) was used to examine the factors Influencing residents' perception on housing adequacy in the study area. The study revealed that there is moderate pattern of urbanization (54.4%) in the study area. Employment opportunities (86.7%) is the major factor influencing the moderate pattern of urbanization. Agricultural land use (83.3%) is the predominant land use and there is poor level of infrastructural development in the study area. Waste management system (98.0%), roads (80.1%), water supply (58.3%), electricity (53.9%) and public transportation (51.5%) were in poor condition. Healthcare facilities and services were not available (80.1%), educational facilities such as primary and secondary schools were available but in poor condition (58.3%). Reactional facilities were available but in poor condition (77.9%). There is significant difference between infrastructure provided and the level of infrastructural development (X2 = 204.67, p < 0.05 = 0.000) and between public services provided and their availability (X2 = 565.35, p < 0.05 = 0.000). Urbanization has no significant environmental impact (85.8%). The major social challenges of urbanization were social inequality (50.0%) and cultural displacement (36.7%). There is adequacy (50.0%) of housing units in the study area with a large proportion (74.5%) of residents satisfied with their housing units. Factors influencing residents’ perception on housing adequacy were: housing affordability (FHAI = 5.27), durability of housing materials (FHAI = 5.14), dynamics of housing markets (FHAI = 5.08), level of infrastructure development (FHAI = 5.03), social environment (FHAI = 4.69), inadequate lighting (FHAI = 4.68), and size of living space (FHAI = 4.54). To this end, the study recommends enhancement of infrastructure development, provision of employment opportunities and economic growth, improvement of social environment and lighting, promoting environmental sustainability, upgrading of recreational and social facilities. It is believed that if these measures are adhered to, will reduce the impact of urbanization and improve housing adequacy.