Housing Informality of Fulani Nomads in Ogbomoso Region, Nigeria

Abstract

Against the background negativities associated with informal housing particularly in Fulani nomadic settlement, this paper appraises housing characteristics of Fulani nomads in Ogbomoso region. Purposive sampling technique was employed to select Fulani’s five host communities each from the urban and rural part of the region. Based on direct housing counting and estimates given by community leaders, a total number of six hundred and forty-seven (647) residents across the selected host communities were randomly selected for questionnaire administration. In each of the selected Fulani settlement, interview was conducted with the head of the clan or adult and Focus Group Discussion served as general platform for all other available Fulanis. Content analysis using thematic approach was employed to analyze such qualitative information. Using Likert Scale Rating, an index Shared Facilities Index (SFI) was developed to measure availability and functionality of shared facilities. The study reveals that Fulani housing satisfies primarily shelter housing with an indigenous design of cone shaped although some are built with modern building materials. There occupancy ratio within building satisfy family cohesion rather than two people per habitable room standard. Some of the facilities like toilet were not readily available for use and not functional. The result of Likert Scale rating shows lowest functionality index for health center (SFI 1.67), secondary school (SFI1.45) water supply (SFI1.40) electricity (SFI1.03) and public toilet (SF11.00). The study concludes that informal settlement is an attribute of nomads. This manifested in spatial manifestation of nomadic settlement in Ogbomoso region. The study therefore recommends that quantitative and qualitative residential development should be facilitated through Fulani Housing Scheme. Coupled with this, there should be adequate provision of basic infrastructural facilities. This should be accessible, functional and regularly maintained. Through these measures, the livability of Fulani nomadic will be improved and sustained.

DOI: 10.7176/JAAS/58-07

Publication date:September 30^th 2019