Assessment of Neighbourhood Charactristics in Suburban and Traditional Areas of Offa, Kwara State

Abstract

Aim of the Study: This study assessed the neighbourhood satisfaction of residents of two different strata of Offa (Suburban) and traditional.

Methodology: The study administered 25 questionnaires to residents of Olorunkuse Area, Oja-Oba, Popo, and Adesoye College area along Igosun Road. Cross-sectional survey research is the research design utilized in this quantitative investigation. This research, however, is non-experimental and deductive in character because it relies on a field survey that prioritizes accuracy over bias. In order to gather data from respondents and the study area, the research study uses a questionnaire, in-person interviews, and direct observation.

Findings: The study realized that features like communal/neighbourliness, recreational facilities, drainage, communal viability, presence of a market, religious centres, density, schools, and worthy association attract much satisfaction from the respondents in both areas while residents are not satisfied with the refuse dump, serenity, privacy, aesthetics, accessibility, and road quality. For features like land use compatibility, and constancy of electricity, there exists a variation in satisfaction derived in the traditional areas and suburban areas; while residents of suburban areas are satisfied with the above-mentioned features, residents of traditional areas are not satisfied.

Conclusion: Study concluded that neighbourhoods are the smallest units of planning and hence represents the pedestal upon which extensive settlements are laid. Cities, towns, metropolis and megalopolis all sprout up from neighbourhoods and made up of several neighborhoods in the long run. Uneven satisfaction on the other hand is greatly related to communal inequalities hence having the capacity to cause migration and overburdening of facilities in the neighborhoods where residents are satisfied with the features.