Residents' Perceptions of Livability in Peri-Urban Settlements: A Multidimensional Assessment in Akure, Nigeria

Abstract

Peri-urban communities in Sub-Saharan Africa face growing urban disparities in livability, yet empirical evaluations of perceptions in medium-sized Nigerian cities remain limited. The study assessed the perceived well-being of inhabitants of four suburban communities in Akure, south-western Nigeria (Aponmu, Oda, Adofure, and Ipinsa) using a multidimensional framework. A structured questionnaire was administered to 352 households selected through a systematic random sample and validated using Cronbach's alpha (α = 0.991). Weighted averages of ranked indicators were used to rank the indicators; a composite livability index (CLI) was used to compare performance at the community level; and a Kruskal-Wallis H test was used to test significant differences in livability across the study. The results showed a low quality of life across the study area (CLI = 42.87), ranging from high in Aponmu (CLI = 86.05) to very low in Oda (CLI = 8.73). Economically, more than 63% of residents earn less than the national minimum wage. In addition, 50% of the social dimensions examined have a positive impact on the population's well-being. Environmentally, 33% of the indicators used (physical conditions, law enforcement, and p size) improve quality of life across the communities. A Kruskal-Wallis H test confirmed statistically significant differences in economic, social, and environmental livability across the four communities (p < .001), with the same community ranking lowest across the three dimensions. These findings call for targeted community-level planning interventions to address low household incomes, deficits in recreational infrastructure, inadequate neighbourhood amenities, and poor environmental sanitation, particularly in low- and very-low-livability communities in the peri-urban area of Akure, Nigeria.