Sector-Wise Exploratory Analysis of Household Residential Location Choice in the African Context: Empirical Evidence from Benin City, Nigeria

Ndidi Felix Nkeki,Edorodion Oye Erimona

doi:10.4236/cus.2018.61003

Abstract

This study explored the residential choice of households based on the discrete choice model. Although, many authors in Africa cities have commented on this choice behavioural process. Notwithstanding, empirical study in this area is still lacking. There is a need to provide understanding on the household choice and decisions that influences the structure of urban landscape. A sector-wise model was formulated and used to estimate the choice behaviour of 1100 households in the area. However, the model shows that there exists somewhat complex household sorting pattern which is initiated by sociocultural, socioeconomic, accessibility and neighbourhood composition. Among these, sociocultural factors show robust influence. Such factors support that African households tend to develop strong ties to their origin. Generally, the model shows that the pattern of household choices in the region is distinct across sectors.

Highlights

A plethora of studies on residential location and urban mobility in Africa cities have been published in recent decades (Ozo, 1986; Afolayan, 1982; Gbakeji & Rilwani, 2009)
There are 12 variables that were entered into the factor analysis; the basic reason for carrying out this procedure is to empirically extract the most prominent determinants of household choice of residential location in the study area
This study used multidimensional approach to identify and model the determinants of households’ residential location choice in an African city. This approach involves the incorporation of wide range factors of residential location highlighted in literature into robust analytical techniques

Summary

Introduction

A plethora of studies on residential location and urban mobility in Africa cities have been published in recent decades (Ozo, 1986; Afolayan, 1982; Gbakeji & Rilwani, 2009). Such decisions underlie much of urban growth and change (Wu, 2003). The process of making residential location choice is paramount to the understanding of urban social, economic, morphological changes and spatial stratification in the cities. The unrestricted choice which is an off-shoot of this competition for the most preferred locations may be considerably reduced as a result of the variation between people in the locations and lifestyles they prefer. This choice is often influenced by the household’s pressing needs and desires at that point in time. While some people prefer to reside in the city centre others prefer the suburban area, and yet others, an intermediate urban section

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