Assessment of Housing Needs in the Core Area of Akure, Nigeria

Abstract

This research examined housing needs in the core area of Akure, Nigeria. This was carried out by identifying the existing housing stock, housing condition and the extent of housing needs in the study area. Six residential neighborhoods were selected from the core area of the city due to their homogeneity characteristics. The study made used of the existing demographic and land use characteristics, primary and secondary data were used for the data collection. A total number of 198 buildings were selected and sampled in the area. Literature was also consulted for proper understanding of the subject matter. The study revealed that, houses in the study area had poor environmental outlook. On housing condition, 50% of the dwellings assessed were either sub-standard or unfit for human habitation. More than 50% of the residential buildings had one or more major defects. Some of the houses were overcrowded and subjected to tenant’s abuse by internal conversion to increase the occupancy rate. The research recommends the need for affordable housing strategy, governmental and institutional intervention to cater for general inadequacies of infrastructures, such as roads, drains, waste disposal and recreational facilities. Stakeholders should collaborate towards enforceable standards for redevelopment and upgrading that could guarantee sustainable development.