Socio-economic Determinants of Urban Housing Materials Types in Poor Area of Makoko, Lagos

Abstract

Housing the urban poor in developing countries has been a major concern globally. This paper examines the socio-economic determinants of urban housing types in the low-income neighbourhood of Makoko, Lagos. The specific objectives of this paper include analysis of the socio-economic characteristics of the residents in the study area, analysis of the quantity and types of housing in the study area; and their relationships. A total of 254 questionnaires were administered to the household heads in the study area using the multi- stage sampling technique. Data analysis encompassed the use of both descriptive and inferential analysis. Frequency tables were used to analyze descriptive data obtained while the inferential analysis entailed the use of Regression analysis. The findings revealed that 57.5%  of the respondents that reside in plank or bamboo houses because of their affordability, earn less than N5, 000 per month, with a household size of 6 – 7 persons (52%) and engage in informal activities. The study concludes that income level, households’ size and employment status are major determinants of residents’ housing types, especially bamboo houses in Makoko. The recommendation is to conduct research on the durability and functionality of plank and bamboo houses, alleviate the welfare of the urban poor, involve the stakeholders in any development efforts and review existing policies on housing that affect the urban poor, especially the eviction and demolition approach.