Sector-Wise Exploratory Analysis of Household Residential Location Choice in the African Context: Empirical Evidence from Benin City, Nigeria

Abstract

This study explored the residential choice of households based on the discrete choice model. Although, many authors in Africa cities have commented on this choice behavioural process. Notwithstanding, empirical study in this area is still lacking. There is a need to provide understanding on the household choice and decisions that influences the structure of urban landscape. A sector-wise model was formulated and used to estimate the choice behaviour of 1100 households in the area. However, the model shows that there exists somewhat complex household sorting pattern which is initiated by sociocultural, socioeconomic, accessibility and neighbourhood composition. Among these, sociocultural factors show robust influence. Such factors support that African households tend to develop strong ties to their origin. Generally, the model shows that the pattern of household choices in the region is distinct across sectors.