Conditions And Residents' Preferences In Public Low-cost Housing in Jigawa State, Nigeria For Subjective Well-being

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to report on a study that investigated the current low-cost housing conditions, and the residents' subjective well-being and examine how residents' preferences can be used to improve the subjective well-being of the residents in Jigawa State, Nigeria. This article is a product of quantitative research whereby descriptive analysis was employed. The results showed that almost all the low-cost housing estates in the state are in poor conditions characterised by poor structural design, insufficient facilities and supporting services. The findings reveal that about 73.4% of the residents exhibit a low level of subjective well-being with a mean score of (M=3.54). Through the Relative Important Index, the study found that residents preferred more number of bedrooms, toilets, access to services and remaining safe from accidents than any other attributes of housing units. In conclusion, this article reveals that the subjective well-being of the residents can be improved if what residents prefer is considered in the development of low-cost housing estates for both the present and the future. Thus, the article would help housing developers and housing policymakers to understand that housing constructions and infrastructural elements should be considered in relation to the preferences of the beneficiaries.