A Psycho-Geographic Analysis of Eateries in Ogbomoso, Nigeria

Abstract

Against the background of incessant proliferation of eateries in our urban centres, the study analyses the psycho-geography of eateries in Ogbomoso North Local Government, Nigeria. The study appraises the physical attributes (including the presence and state of facilities), users perception and imageability of the eateries. An empirical measurement was done by administering a questionnaire to 320 respondents across selected eateries from parks nodes, CBD, Institutions and other activity centres. Multi-stage purposive sampling procedure was used. Major activity centres were selected. A centre for each activity centre was determined on the map of the area. All eateries within 200m radius from the centre were sampled. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used. Factor analysis was used to re-summarize the variables describing the physical attributes of eateries on the one hand and the user’s perception on the other. Canonical model was used to explain the causal factors of imageability of the eateries. The study observed a high relationship between the physical attribute of the eateries and both the performance of the eateries and the imageability of the immediate environment. The study thus recommends the imperatives for a careful consideration to planning for such uses like eateries in the broader land use planning.