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The quality of urban life and the perception of livability: A case study of neighbourhoods in Benin City, Nigeria

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Abstract

Third World cities face many persistent planning problems. The problems persist partly because planning has not been sufficiently responsive to local peculiarities. This lack of responsiveness is in turn because of the gross scale at which problems are conceived and attacked. One of the persistent problems in all Nigerian cities is their poor environmental quality. This study, therefore, seeks to investigate the environmental problems of Benin City, capital of Bendel State of Nigeria. Six environmental dimensions are measured and analysed. A composite conceptual index of quality of life is derived from the six dimensions, and compared with an index of perceived quality for each area. The study adopts the neighbourhood as the unit in collecting and analysing data, and in proposing solutions. It is recommended that planning administration in Benin City must be decentralized, if it is to be more responsive to intra-city environmental eccentricities, and improve the quality of life.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geography and Regional Planning, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria

    Gideon E. D. Omuta

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  1. Gideon E. D. Omuta
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Omuta, G.E.D. The quality of urban life and the perception of livability: A case study of neighbourhoods in Benin City, Nigeria. Soc Indic Res 20, 417–440 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00302336

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00302336

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