Assessment of Urban Market Renewal Projects on the Development of Akure, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the effects of renewal exercise in neighbourhood markets in Akure, Nigeria with a view of identifying the new development that has come to the area as a result of the market upgrading and face-lifting in the study area. Data were collected from the field through questionnaire, personal observation, interview and the use of digital camera which capture images of interest for the purpose of fulfilling the objectives of the research. Also, literatures search on the subject was carried out to ascertain the existing literature on the subject matter. The research methodology and procedure were laid out using the systematic sampling technique in the administration of the questionnaire and data were subjected to univariate and bivariate analyses. Pearson product-moment correlation was used to analyse the significant relationship between the level of patronage of market and the distance covered by households to market, and also to analyse the significant relationship between the level of income and the level of patronage of market. Findings show that the development of market in any area will attract other developments, also the study revealed that majority of the people that patronizes the market are people within the neighbourhood. Majority of the market sellers agreed that their sales have improved by providing a neighbourhood market for them. However, Majority of the market sellers in Isolo market wants the government to construct an access road for them so that their customers will be able to access the market easily. Recommendations include; maintenance of facilities in the markets, provision of steady power supply, provision of sustainable waste management machinery, proper management and maintenance of road infrastructure, provision  of loan to market sellers and enforcement of regular sanitation in the market.

Keywords: Akure, Market Renewal, Urban Renewal, Physical Development.