Urban Growth and Housing Problems in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, Nigeria

The study examined urban growth and housing problems in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State in Nigeria. Questionnaire survey was used to acquire primary data which was complemented with secondary data. The respondents for the questionnaire survey comprised of the residents, government officials, and other stake holders in urban and housing development in the area. A total of 300 questionnaires were administered using stratified and random sampling techniques. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and correlation analysis. Findings revealed a strong correlation between urban growth and housing problems in the area. The study also identified housing problems such as overcrowding and congestion, poor accessibility, substandard and inadequate housing, as well as insufficient basic amenities and infrastructural facilities in the area. There is the need for government to plan for future urban expansion of Karu in order to avoid urban sprawl leading to more housing problems in the area. One approach to this is the development of satellite towns with good accessibility to the city centre. There is also the need for provision of basic amenities and infrastructural facilities and utilities that are lacking in the area.

Author(s): Muhammad Isma’il*, Ezra Ishaku, Abdulkadir Muhammed Yahaya, Muhammad Ashiru Tanko and Hadiza Tanimu Ahmed

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