A Comparative Analysis of the Socio-Physical Characteristics of Selected Inner-City Residential Neighbourhoods in Ondo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Inner-city residential neighbourhoods are important components of the urban system that define the city’s social and spatial dynamics. The historical evolution and socio-physical characteristics of the neighbourhoods influence exposure to and responses to challenges and emergencies. This study, through a mixed-methods approach, compares the socio-physical neighbourhood characteristics of the selected inner-city residential neighbourhoods in Ondo State, Nigeria. Quantitative data were gathered through the administration of 440 structured questionnaires to household heads and adults across the selected neighbourhoods. Furthermore, the qualitative approach involved semi-structured interviews to elicit information from Landlord Associations across the randomly selected inner-city residential neighbourhoods in Akure, Owo, and Okitipupa, respectively. The study unpacks the fairly poor physical and housing conditions in the selected neighbourhoods. However, the social conditions investigated reveal improved social systems. Spearman’s rho correlation analysis reveals significant associations (p < 0.05) between physical and social characteristics across the study areas. This indicates a socio-physical paradox that suggests the persistence of performance of the social systems despite deteriorating physical environments. Findings underscore the heterogeneity of secondary cities in Nigeria and highlight the critical role of socio-physical neighbourhoods’ characteristics in achieving and sustaining resilience. The study advocates for integrated urban design and policy interventions that concurrently improve social cohesiveness and address deficiencies in physical infrastructure in the rapidly urbanizing cities in Nigeria.