Spatial Preference of Urban Residential Location in Osogbo, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the spatial preference of urban residential location in Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria. It identified the types and qualities of residential housing units; and examined the factors influencing the choice of residential location in Osogbo. Data were obtained from primary and secondary sources. Primary data were obtained through field observation and administration of questionnaire to 431 households. Secondary data were sourced from topographical map and the township map of the study area. In view of the observed inequalities in the number and density of buildings, the study area was divided into three zones: Zone ‘A’ (the old core), Zone ‘B’ (intermediate zone) and Zone ‘C’ (the outskirts). For easy identification of sample points, each of the zones was further divided into ten quadrants of equal sizes. Relative Importance Index (RII) indicated that occupation (RII = 0.769), house quality (RII = 0.768), nearness to place of work (RII = 0.766) and physical quality of the neighbourhood were the principal indices of residential location. Furthermore, results indicate that nearness to children’s schools (X₁₃) constantly recorded the least RII value; it was the only factor with RII value of less than 0.5 both at the zonal and overall levels of assessment. The study concluded that low-income households and or whose heads have below college education or completely uneducated were satisfied with any house in any location where the rent is affordable and provided easy and quick access to their places of work.