THE IMPACT OF URBANIZATION ON PATTERN OF PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT IN EMERGING URBAN FRINGES OF ADO-EKITI, NIGERIA

Abstract

Urban fringe development has become a global concern in the last decade, especially as cities continue to expand phenomenally, particularly in the Global South. Urban fringe development is a complex process that involves activities such as change in land, ownership patterns, land transfer processes, regulatory measures and enforcement. This paper examines the pattern of urban fringe development in Ado-Ekiti in South-Western part of Nigeria, focusing on the character of the population, housing types and conditions, availability and quality of infrastructure and the effects on quality of life. Primary and secondary data were obtained for the study. The study revealed that most of the fringe areas in Ado Ekiti lack adequate basic socio-economic amenities such as schools, health centres, recreational facilities, etc., as well as infrastructural facilities like adequate road network, electricity and water supply, drainage and sewage disposal, etc. Statistical data analysis also revealed that the income level of the population has significant effect on urban fringe development. Some of the recommendations for improving the situation include enlightenment of the citizenry the introduction of physical planning education to schools, proper planning, monitoring and enforcement of physical development activities in the fringe areas by government.