Ethno-religious Conflict in Kaduna, Nigeria: Perceptual implications for Residential Property Development

Abstract

This study investigates the causes of ethno-religious conflicts prevalence in Kaduna and its attendant influence on residential property  development decisions in Kaduna, Nigeria. Data was collected through structured questionnaires and administered by trained Assistants  to residential property owners/investors in selected neighbourhoods of Kaduna North and Kaduna South. A total of 5,439 questionnaires  were administered to respondents (Property Owners/Investors) and 3,431 was retrieved. This includes 1,608 from Kaduna North and 1,823 from Kaduna South representing a total of 63.08% response rate. Quantitative data obtained from the questionnaires were  analysed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression. The findings indicate that in Kaduna North, the incessant ethno-religious  conflicts in the area, resulted to problems associated with low occupancy ratio occasioned which is a consequence of voids in many  completed residential properties in the area, negatively affected investment decisions (B = 1.275, p = 0.049). In Kaduna South, the  incessant conflicts in the area resulted to more significant problems which negatively affected residential property investment decisions including property loss due to violent attacks (B = -1.102, p < 0.001), limited access to financing (B = -3.392, p < 0.001), overall insecurity in  the location (B = -1.816, p < 0.001), low property demand (B = 9.269, p < 0.001), and challenges with disposal and attracting quality  tenants/occupants/buyers (B = -7.029, p < 0.001). The study recommends the need for strengthened security measures, improved access  to financing, peace-building initiatives, infrastructure development, market support and capacity building. These findings provide  valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders in residential property development ventures in developing targeted strategies to  promote sustainable residential property development in Kaduna.