EVALUATING THE IMPACT OF AGE ON URBAN SPONTANEOUS PHYSICAL HOUSING TRANSFORMATION IN ABEOKUTA, NIGERIA

Abstract

Spontaneous physical housing transformation, SPHT, occurs when physical alterations are carried out on housing without recourse to building regulations by different age groups. This housing phenomenon is rampant among the informal housing sector of the study area. The study thus examines the impact of age on spontaneous physical housing transformations, SPHT, carried out among the informal housing in Abeokuta. Descriptive research design was employed using a survey questionnaire as an instrument for the data collection. A total of 400 structured questionnaire samples were randomly administered to the residents of the study neighbourhoods. A total of 185 samples were retrieved and 118 samples valid, representing a 64% response rate. The valid data were analysed by descriptive and one-way ANOVA statistical analyses. The results indicate statistical significance of SPHT within the age groups examined. A further Tukey’s post hoc test conducted on the data revealed that SPHT occurred across the age groups examined. However, SPHT is significantly higher among the age groups of 25-55years. The transformation diminishes among the age groups of 56-75 years. These findings show that age group is a demographic factor influencing SPHT in urban informal housing of Abeokuta. There is the need to incorporate demographic factor, age, in urban SPHT policy formulation to accommodate the transformation need of the age groups Need for planned housing transformations needed for health and quality built environment required for sustainable built environment. The study concludes that there is a need for urban SPHT policy for urban housing sustainability in line with SDG Goal 11.