Informal Use of “Marginal Open Space” Along Residential Streets in a Nigerian City

Authors

  • Dr. Temitope Muyiwa Adebara Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0088-999X
  • Dr. Oyinloluwa Beatrice Adebara Department of Estate Management, Faculty of Environmental Science, Osun State University, Osogbo, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3072-642X
  • Dr. Adewumi Israel Badiora Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Faculty of Environmental Studies, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8740-3958

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25034/ijcua.2022.v6n2-7

Keywords:

Marginal open space, Sustainable urban development, Residential area, Planning implications, Nigeria

Abstract

In today’s highly regulated cities, a conspicuous pattern of marginal open space has emerged between buildings and streets. With rapid population growth, different activities are also emerging in the open spaces, particularly in the cities of developing countries. This study explores the informal use of the marginal open spaces along residential streets in Ile-Ife, Nigeria, to identify the physical planning implications. The data for this study were mainly collected through a questionnaire survey and open space measurements. Findings established that the major activities in the open space were necessary (earning income), socio-cultural and leisure pursuits. Land-use problem occurrence index (LPOI) showed that the significant challenges associated with the use of the space were an increase in travel time to destinations (LPOI = 4.33), open space littering (LPOI = 4.17), traffic and pedestrian congestion (LPOI = 4.17), and degradation of aesthetics (LPOI = 3.99). It is therefore concluded that the use of marginal open space has both positive and negative effects on the residential environments of the Nigerian city. The study adds to the body of knowledge in urban studies by empirically investigating the physical planning implications of the everyday use of marginal open space in a developing country.

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Author Biographies

Dr. Temitope Muyiwa Adebara, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, Nigeria

Dr. Temitope Muyiwa Adebara is a lecturer and researcher at the Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Nigeria. His research interests and activities focus on the role of urban planning and design in creating responsive, equitable, and sociable public spaces. Adebara registered town planner and a member of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners.

Dr. Oyinloluwa Beatrice Adebara , Department of Estate Management, Faculty of Environmental Science, Osun State University, Osogbo, Nigeria

Dr. Oyinloluwa Beatrice Adebara is a lecturer at the Department of Estate Management, Osun State University, Nigeria. Her research interests revolve around real estate investment and finance, urban management, and facility provision. She is also an Associate Member of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) and a Registered Estate Surveyor and Valuer.

Dr. Adewumi Israel Badiora, Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Faculty of Environmental Studies, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Nigeria

Dr. Adewumi Israel Badiora is a senior lecturer and researcher at the Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Nigeria. He is a development planner with a special interest in community safety and security, crime pattern and trend analysis, and crime prevention. Badiora is a registered town planner and a member of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners. 

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Published

2022-10-28

How to Cite

Adebara, T. M., Adebara, O. B., & Badiora, A. I. (2022). Informal Use of “Marginal Open Space” Along Residential Streets in a Nigerian City. Journal of Contemporary Urban Affairs, 6(2), 207–215. https://doi.org/10.25034/ijcua.2022.v6n2-7

Issue

Section

Resilience and Built Environment