MODELLING THE VARIATION IN THE MOBILITY PATTERN OF HOUSEHOLDS IN THE URBAN AND RURAL AREAS OF NIGERIA

Abstract

There is evidence that rural areas are disadvantaged in mobility compared to urban areas. Hence, this study examined spatial variation in the travel pattern of households in urban and rural areas of Nigeria. This study used primary data obtained through questionnaire administration on household heads in the residential zones of both urban and rural areas studied, using the multi-stage sampling technique. Findings revealed that variations exist for age, education level, income level, and occupation in urban and rural areas, and household's average daily mean trip frequency showed a level of fewer trips being generated in the rural area than those in the urban area. Furthermore, the result of the stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that transport mode, household size, number of workers in the house, and occupation of household head were significant variables influencing trip making in urban areas while age, household size, the income of household head and number of employed people were significant in the rural areas. This study concludes that differences exist in the mobility pattern of urban and rural households, and as such, equal consideration and attention should be given to them in policy formulations.