CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

The development and subsequent growth of slums in developing nations pose serious urban

management and planning constraints to urban residents and city authorities (The United Nations

Centre for Human Settlements 2003). Within the context of the Global South, slums in urban

areas are generally characterized as having insecure residential status, inadequate access to water

and sanitation, overcrowding, insufficient living space and their susceptibility to environmental

disasters (Agyarko-Oduro 2009; Patel 2012; Butala et al. 2010). What makes slum development

a worrying phenomenon in the Global South is the incessant increase in urban population which

is usually not commensurate with housing development (UNCHS 2003).

The United Nations Population Fund [UNPF] (2007), posits that Global population is expected to

rise to 4.7 billion by 2030. This raises serious sustainability concerns such as energy demand,

waste management, adequate housing provision and access to water and sanitation, which all

relates to the development of slums. The UN-Habitat (2010) notes that; globally, the

development of slums in cities is estimated to reach 2 billion by 2030 and 3 billion by 2050 if the

current trends of population growth persists. In the recent past, interventions targeted at

addressing the problems associated with slum development have focused on strategies such as

poverty reduction, with particular emphasis on slum upgrading, slum formalization and

resettlement (Lucci 2015; Adarkwa and Post 2001; Zwane and Kremer 2007). Unfortunately,

these strategies put in place to improve the living conditions of slum dwellers turn out to be

ineffective in addressing the many challenges confronted in slum areas, especially in the Global

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South where the phenomenon appears pervasive. This is mostly due to the disregard of slums as

part of the city-by-city authorities and the consistent evictions suffered by slum residents

(Nahiduzzaman 2006). In the context of Ghana, Adarkwa and Post (2001) note that the rapid

growth of urban population, coupled with city managers’ inability to commit substantial

financial resources in sustainable urban housing development has resulted in the proliferation of

slums. The activities undertaken by these slum dwellers have negative effects on the physical

and natural setting due to their unapproved locations and the destructive nature of human

activities that usually result in soil, air and water pollution (Mahabir et al. 2016). These human

activities carried out in slum areas have exacerbated their poverty situation; thus, threatening

sustainable urban development at the national, regional and local levels (Patel 2012).

Fox (2008) observes that the spread of sanitary related diseases such as cholera, typhoid and

malaria in slums is associated with terrible environmental hygiene, which may negatively have

implications on the aggregate economy. Despite the problems associated with the development

of slums, it still performs an important function of providing affordable housing to the urban

poor. There is therefore need for research to examine socio-economic impact of slum.

1.2 Statement of Research Problem

Slums dwellers are vulnerable parts of the society. They are facing various types of the problems

like health and hygiene related problems, low level of income, poor housing conditions and lack

of social amenities. Unhealthy living conditions of slum dwellers are the result of a lack of basic

services, with visible, open sewers, lack of pathways, uncontrolled dumping of waste, polluted

environments, and unorganized building constructions etc. The existence of the slum is a global

phenomenon. Some social scientist said that, slum is the by-product of modern era. The

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development of the city is very important, but the provision for the slum’s population is needful.

There is need to develop the plans and policies for the up gradation of the slum dwellers in terms

of infrastructural development and basic amenities. Slums are increasingly faced with negative

consequences such as polarization of population in large cities, high density, slums and squatter

settlements, acute shortage of housing and basic civic amenities, degradation of environment,

traffic congestion, pollution, poverty, unemployment, crime and social unrest. Hence, this study

is set to evaluate the impact of slums on socio-economic activities in Paikon, Gwagwalada

Abuja.

1.3 Aim and Objectives

The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of slums on socio-economic activities in Paikon,

Gwagwalada Abuja. To achieve this, the following objectives are set:

i) Determine the socio-economic characteristics of residents of the study area

ii) Examine factors responsible for the state of the slum in the study area

iii) Assess the condition of infrastructures in the study area

iv) Assess the impacts of slum settlement on the socio-economic characteristics of the

residents of the study area

1.4 Significance of The Study

This study is relevant because it would help avoid the incidence of problems such as improper

disposal of waste, traffic congestion, spread of diseases such as; typhoid, cholera, malaria,

typhoid and lot of others that may affect the health of the population due to uncontrolled

urbanization in FCT

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The study will be of great importance to the Federal capital development agency (FCDA),

households and policy makers. The FCDA will benefit from the results of this study by having

the report of the stage of socio-economic problem emanating from slum in the study area and

update their records relating to the study they have earlier carried out. This could also have

implications for them to ensure proper environmental management. Households would benefit

from enhanced sufficient social amenities, if socio-economic problem emanating from slum can

be address properly. Policy makers in the study area would also find the results useful as it

would provide them with a policy direction for enhanced socio-economic development in the

study area.

1.5 Scope and Limitation of the Study

The spatial scope cover Paiko-kore of Gwagwalada Area Council, Federal Capital Territory

Abuja. This study shall be conducted in the context Concept of concepts of slum settlements and

Slum redevelopment.

The research was limited to socio-economic activities or problem faced by slum dwellers in

Paiko-kore of Gwagwalada Area Council, Federal Capital Territory Abuja.

1.6 The Study Area

1.6.1 Location of the Study Area:

Gwagwalada is a suburb of the federal capital territory, Abuja. It is situated along Abuja-lokoja

road at about 55 kilometers away from FCT and centrally located between latitude 8 055l N and

9000lN and longitude 7000lE and 7004lE (Ishaya, 2013). With a population of about 157,770 at the

2006 census, the region covers a total landmass of about 65km 2 out of the 8,000km2 of the total

FCT landmass and located at the center of very fertile area with abundance of grasses (Ishaya,

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2013). The area is bordered by kuje area council to the east, Abaji area council to the west, kwali

area council to the south and Abuja municipal area council to the north east and to the north by

Suleja local government area of Niger state (Balogun,2001).

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Fig 1.1: Map of FCT Showing the Gwagwalada Area Council
Source: Uniabuja GIS Lab

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1.6.2 Climate

The climate of Gwagwalada just like most climate in the tropics have various climatic element in

common, most especially the wet and dry season characteristics (Balogun, 2005). It has a

tropical sub- humid climate with two distinct seasons, namely a wet and dry season. The wet

seasons lasts for seven months starting from April and ends in October. Its major elements have

regimes that are transitional from those of the southern part of the country.

The temperature of Gwagwalada is generally high during the day and falls sharply at night.

Changes in temperature of about 170c have been recorded between the highest and lowest

temperature in a single day. During the rainy season, the maximum temperature is lower due to

dense cloud cover; diurnal annual range is also much lower, sometime not more than 7 0c in July

and august. The mean maximum temperature ranges between 28 0c- 300c and the mean minimum

monthly temperature ranges between 250c- 270c. The area records an average maximum and

minimum daily temperature ranges between 30 0c- 210c during the dry season and 37 0c- 160c

during the rainy season respectively, resulting to an average annual temperature of 27.2 0c varies

by 4.70c cover the last twenty years, the highest temperature is recorded in the month of April

with about 370c, this occurs during the dry season of the year due to the general cloudless of the

period. The minimum temperature occurs in the month of December with about 17 0c during the

harmattan wind period. The area also recorded relative humidity of about 25% in the dry season

of the year which often falls in the afternoon ( Abuja master plan, 2000) although the relative

humidity is recorded as 50% during the beginning of the rainy season.

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The rainy season usually begins in March ends in the middle of October in the north and early

November in the south. About 60% of the rainfalls during the month of July to September,

during which flood occurs within the area lying around the flood plain of river Usman (Adakayi,

2000). The highest rainfall is recorded in the month of august with rainfall amount 1400mm,

while the least amount of rainfall is recorded in December, which records an average amount of

1mm. with an average of 285mm, the most precipitation occurs in September. The variation in

precipitation between the driest and wettest months is about 257mm annually.

As a result of its location on the windward side of Jos plateau, there is frequent rainfall and

noticeable increase in mean annual total from the south to the north of the area with a mean

annual rainfall of about 140mm per annum (Adakayi, 2000). This has place d a pivotal role with

respect to agricultural activities, since agriculture within the area is highly dependent on rainfall.

Finally, the major causes of rainfall in the area are the convectional rising of air containing water

vapor with the combination of other factors (Adakayi, 2000, Balogun, 2001).

1.6.3 Soil

The soil in the study area shows a high level of variability comprising mainly of sand, silt, clay

and gravel. Alluvial soils are predominantly found in the valleys of the various river within the

area but highly concentrated at the valley of river Usman. The water table around the area where

this soil types dominates is usually very high. It has well decomposed organic matter content in

the surface layer; its texture is heavier within depth as the weathered parent material is

approached. The soil within this area is generally moist and poorly drained almost all year round

and to a great extent support farming due to its various natures (FCDA, 2010).

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The soil at the upper slopes occupies the largest landscape as a result of which they are not

mostly freely and severely drained. The soils at the valley side also differ in a number of a ways

with respects to their profiles. Soils are at the summit are predominantly reddish brown in the top

layer and reddish in the sub layer, whereas soil within the valley side have thick cover of sand-

wash materials, characterized with palest colors and loamy sand soil texture at the top soil which

is highly vulnerable to erosion when land covers are removed (FCDA, 2009; Balogun, 2006).

1.6.4 Vegetation

The FCT as a whole is located within the northern boundary of the guinea savanna ( adakayi,

2006; Balogun, 2001). Rainforest and riparian vegetation are the two types of vegetation found

within the FCT and they all occupied 21% of its total land cover. Gwagwalada vegetation type is

that of shrub savannah and the vegetation type also covers other areas which include iku-gurara

plains, usuma valley, and chibiri. Gwako and also between Gwagwalada and Tungamanje

(Balogun 2001).

The vegetation is made up of special plant such as Danuliooliver, Aibiziazygia, Shea butter tree,

Burospernumparadoxium and Africa locust bean, Parkiaclappertoniana, Termintiapilsotigma,

Amona, Nauclea and Bombexcontratumconstitute are the shrubs found within the area (Balogun

2001).

The vegetation is of important to the inhabitants of Dobi settlement as well as high rate of

agricultural activities take place in the area (Balogun, 2001).

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1.6.5 Drainage

The study area is drained by River Usman, an important tributary of River Gurara and is the

largest and major river within the study area (Balogun, 2001). The River Usman around

Gwagwalada is quite shallow at almost all times of the year with exception during the peak of

the rainy season and the river slope gradient also rages between2 0-60although steeper in areas

which have witnessed stream incision on rock outcrops and inselbergs. The drainage texture is

coarse and valley density ranges between 1and 2km 2 Several mature profile rivers also drains the

area westward to the River Usman, running south to join River Gurara which empties its content

into River Niger (Balogun, 2001).

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 CHAPTER TWO

THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK AND LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Concept of Slum

The phenomenon of Slum is among the phenomenon arising from swift development of

urbanization and one of the evident manifestations of urban poverty appeared in an unplanned

and self-grown form inside and around the cities. It enjoys an unpleasant appearance and

uncommon texture to the city. Titles such as suburbanization, dysfunctional texture, informal and

self-grown settlement, unplanned and unregulated settlements are used for them. Slum where

low-income and poor groups of people with high informal jobs are considered as a method of

unsustainable urbanism and creates suitable grounds for appearance of social abuses (Sarrafi,

2002). Slum encompass self-grown housings without legal identity that are haphazardly spread

around cities (Hadizadeh, 2002). Its lodgings have been built by using cheap and less durable

and worn-out materials and its equipment and urban services are inefficient. These settlements

are mostly developed outside the legal urban areas, swiftly and illegally (Kalhor, 2003). They

enjoy the least life essentials (Sadeghi, 2006). Slum refer to residential areas where a group of

residential units are developed on lands without legal ownership or resided illegally (Bego,

2003).

According to definition of human settlement released by the UN, Slum are identified by using

criteria for multitude of poverty for basic services, improper building structures, unhealthy and

dangerous environmental conditions, unsafe residency right, poverty and social deprivation. The

world percentage of families residing on these slums is being doubled in number (UnHabitat-

2005).

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The phrase Slum have been accepted as well as contested by scholars in various disciplines.

According to Leeds and Leeds (1978), the occupation of land that does not belong to the person

settling on it is what distinguishes Slum from other settlements. The inappropriate invasion of

land characterizes these settlements as an illegal form of land use because occupation is neither

based on the legal ownership of such land, nor in payment of rent to the legal owners. In a study

identifying the significant variables that determine the character of squatter settlements, Leeds,

(1969) argues that the uniform identifying characteristics are their illegal and unordered origins

or organized invasion and, because of their origin, their continued juridically ambiguous status as

settlements. Sietchiping (2000) refers to informal land use as any human establishment, human

settlement or land use in the urban area which is not suitable or in opposition to the expected

standard and regulations. Informal land use includes the poor and precarious housing within the

city or in the city fringes or other areas where land is vacant, accessible and affordable.

According to Srinivas (2003) Slum is characterized by unauthorized use of vacant public or

private land, illegal subdivision and/or rental of land, unauthorized construction of structures and

buildings, reliance on low cost and locally available scrap construction materials, absence of

restrictive standards and regulations, reliance on family labour and artisanal techniques for

construction, non-availability of mortgage or any other subsidized finance. Study by Sietchiping

in 2000 revealed that informal land use is characterised by overcrowding, deterioration,

insecurity, absence or insufficient basic facilities. These conditions endanger the health,

prosperity, safety or moral of the inhabitants and the community at large is unpleasant for living.

The development of Slum - the evolution of what are now described as illegal settlements- was

blamed in the seventies on the tendency of the private land market to marginalize the poor

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(Turner, 1980; Gilbert and Ward, 1985). Informal land use according to World Bank (1999)

constitutes an expression of poor urbanization and poverty of city dwellers as well as failed

policies, bad governance, corruption, inappropriate regulations, dysfunctional land markets.

Furthermore, informal (settlement) land use originated Urban Poverty and Environmental

Conditions in Slum of FCT, Nigeria. Liveable, Healthy, Prosperous from difficult problems of

housing, immigration rate, politics, physical planning, landlessness, land tenure system and

employment especially in the urban areas (Yapidiahou 1995). In particular, they originate from

the existing gap between the number formal/regular land supply and the need. In developing

countries’ cities, FCT inclusive land in the formal market remains too expensive for the urban

poor. Government allocations are slow and bureaucratic, and the land allocated for shelter

considered usually insufficient.

Recent empirical observations in nine African countries according to Mattingly and Durand-

Lasserve (2004) revealed that informal land systems are effective enough in terms of the quantity

delivered to be an alternative to formal urban land delivery systems. They are less bureaucratic

and more flexible than formal systems. They are more effective in reaching poor people.

However, their viability, sustainability and liveability raise a series of questions as the system

produce poorly planned areas with insufficient basic services as in the case of Nigerian cities.

Nigeria is one of the most rapidly urbanizing countries in Africa and the challenges that come

with this especially in the supply of adequate land for basic services, decent housing and other

uses that make settlement prosper, healthy and liveable are major challenges that government

faces (FMH and UD, 2003). This had long been recognized by government therefore; attempt to

meet these challenges led to promulgation of land use act of 1978 which seeks to nationalize the

land tenure system in the country and entrusts the administration on government. Nevertheless,

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in Nigeria today as epitomised by the situation in Lagos the informal sector is the dominant

provider of urban land and housing, as only about 20% to 40% of the physical development in

Nigeria cities is carried out with formal government approval. The weaknesses of government

planning controls, and the haphazard developments associated with the informal sector have

created disorderly and unhealthy urban environments (Nwaka, 2005). Generally, dwellings in

Slum are built by the spontaneous undirected and untrained efforts of the squatters who cannot

afford to secure legal or formal land or a safe site on which a house can be built. Usually

informal developments are located on vulnerable and area such as deep or dangerous slopes.

They are known as catastrophe prone areas (Sietchiping, 2000). Informal land developments

provide shelter for over 85% of the population of urban dwellers in most developing countries

(UNCHS, 1996 and 2000; Durand-Lasserve, 1997). Yet, they either do not appear at all in

government records or are regarded with so much negativism as to warrant constant harassment

or exclusion from provision of necessary infrastructure and amenities (Durand-Lasserve and

Tribillon, 2001; Agbola, 2001). As a result, actors involved in the informal and illegal land

markets are denied access to formal opportunities for optimization of capital formation and

accumulation.

According to World Bank (2006) over two-thirds of the population of Lagos lives in the Slum

that are scattered around the city. The Lagos Master Plan 1980–2000 identified and classified 42

slums in the city. There are now over one hundred of such communities in Lagos. Many poor

and low-income families excluded from access to land and housing in the formal sector find

refuge in the Slum where land and housing can be purchased and built according to means and

capacity. Although, they generally lack security of tenure by virtue of not having the certificate

of occupancy however, many Slum residents hold bona fide rights and interests in the land on

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which they live, having validly acquired land from legitimate land holding families or

communities. Driven by the quest to eliminate or drastically curb the spread of Slum, the

government has used forced eviction as a preferred tool of urban engineering with counter-

productive outcomes. Generally, these evictions are planned and carried out without regard for

the due process of law. In addition to the broad range of social, economic, psychological, cultural

and physical havoc inflicted on the victims, force deviction has helped to fuel the growth of new

Slum or the expansion of existing ones with more complex dimensions. These communities are

routinely denied funds needed for the provision or maintenance of basic facilities such as

community health centers or portable water (Morka 2007).

2.2 Literature Review

Nwaka, (2005) pointed out the relationship between, the urban poor, the slum environment and

the health policy in Nigeria. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as 'a state of

complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or

infirmity'. Such a state is conditioned by a variety of factors ranging from the genetic, the social

and the emotional, to the natural and manmade environment. Consequently, consideration of

such a state of health will have to take into account factors such as development objectives and

strategies, and economic relations as well as the prevailing social structures, beliefs and value

systems in the community. Of importance in this study is the socio-economic instability of the

residents of this area Poverty alleviation dominates the International Development Agenda of the

21st century, and one of the primary concerns of the Millennium Development Goal is to

urgently improve health and living conditions of the Millions of dwellers around the world (UN

Habitat, 2003).

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Up to the 1980s, poverty was largely associated with the rural areas in developing countries; but

the situation has changed with the dramatic increases in the numbers and proportion of the

population living in the urban areas, and corresponding increase in the level of urban poverty.

The ILO estimates that the proportion of the urban work force engaged in the informal sectors is

highest in sub-Saharan Africa, and accounts for more than 50 percents of urban employment in

two-thirds of the countries surveyed in 1999 (population report 2002). These slum and irregular

settlement have become so pervasive in Africa that they now outnumber legally planned

development and their social legitimacy appears to be no longer in question; but the appalling

environmental conditions associated with them constitute a major threat to the health and well-

being of the urban community. The urban setting has many potentials health advantages because

it reduces the unit cost of providing good quality of water supply, sanitation, drainage and

preventive and curative health care; but without these essential prerequisites, concentrating

people and their wastes in crowded slum would certainly increase health risk and spread of

infections and parasitic disease. As the World Health Organization has emphasized, it is the

home not the clinic that holds the key to a better health delivery system.

The main policy challenged Addressed by (Nwaka, 2005) which support and regulate the urban

informal sector in a way that promotes shelter and livelihood for the poor, and at the same time

ensures a safe, healthy and socially acceptable environment; how to ensure that the struggle

against urban poverty and slum dwelling does not result in a campaign against urban poor and

slum dwellers. (Nwaka, 2005) Examines how urban poverty and the informal city have

developed in Nigeria over the last 50 years; the extent to which government policies and

programs have helped or constrained the poor, and how these slums and irregular settlements can

be upgraded and progressively integrated into the urban mainstream. It considers how housing

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and planning codes, standards and regulations inherited from the discriminatory policies and

segregationist practices of the colonial period have continued to inhibit the access of the poor to

affordable housing and tenure security; how the inadequate provision of water, sanitation and

waste management has led to the spread of a wide variety of water-borne and filth-related

disease such as diarrhea, typhoid and cholera; the various form of ill-health associated with

malarial mosquitoes and other pests and diseases vectors; the problems of malnutrition and food

contamination, especially in the fast growing street food catering industry; and the high

incidence of respiratory infections among women and children, caused by indoor pollution from

open cooking fires and stoves.

2.2.1 Causes of Slum

The critical factors causing the formation of Slum are notably related to several major

interrelated changes:

(i) poverty;

(ii) rapid urbanization and influx of people into urban areas;

(iii) war, natural disasters and earthquakes leading to massive movement of people to

places of opportunity and safety;

(iv) Ineffective Housing Policies;

(v) Inefficient public administration, inappropriate planning and inadequate land

administration tools.

Manifestations of informality are attributed to the lack of effective planning, effective land

management system and zoning regulations for urban development. According to the United

Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), poverty and social ostracism are the

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primary causes of Slum in most nations. Governments around the world grapple with fiscal

deficits and therefore promote and subsidize industrial sectors that can revitalize the economy. In

addition, governments have implemented policies to provide housing for the urban poor but their

efforts have proved futile. According to Housing the Urban Poor, several governments have

pursued anti-urbanization policies. They have evicted people from Slum, razed the housing, and

sent the dwellers back to the countryside. These measures fail to stem the tide of urban

migration. Rapid urbanization and influx of people into urban areas is another major cause of

Slum. Rapid industrialization and urbanization have brought an increase in the number of people

living in urban areas.

2.3 Characteristics of Slum

Slum are often studied in the context of informal housing, recognizing the fact that they

incorporate predominantly informal housing developments. The Slum range from sub-

standard slums to housing that does not have the proper development permit. Informal housing

can be described as housing that does not conform to the laws and regulatory frameworks set up

in a particular city (UN-HABITAT, 2003). Slum are mainly characterized by informal land

tenure, inadequate access to basic services, both social and physical infrastructure and housing

finance (Vienna, 2004). Other characteristics of Slum include:

(i) lack of secure tenure;

(ii) housing that contradicts city by-laws;

(iii) housing built on land not owned by the housing owner;

(iv) lack or inadequate access to basic public services;

(v) substandard housing and inadequate building structures;

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 (vi) illegal subdivision of buildings;

(vii) poverty, criminality and social exclusion; and

(viii) Unhealthy living conditions and hazardous locations (UN-HABITAT, 2003 and

Payne and Majale, 2004).

2.3.1 Characteristics of Slum area according to UN

I. Poor urban appearance

II. Low quality of public, physical and mental health
III. Lack of any suitable job and sufficient income
IV. Special subcultures in these regions
V. Population density
VI. Low or lack of educational and welfare facilities and low level of literacy and education,
lack of any school
VII. Extensive poverty
VIII. Abundant drug and high level of addiction
IX. Source and center of social perversion (un-habitat 2005)

2.3.2 Effects of Slum on Quality of Life

In Slum, the decline in living conditions is accompanied by rapid deterioration of existing

housing and homelessness (UN-HABITAT, 2007). The urban poor living in these settlements are

especially vulnerable to economic shocks; they lack access to services, safety nets and political

representation. The population growth which drives the increase of Slum can impose pressure on

the inhabitants of Slum. While the people are usually poorly educated, competition in the city is

high, and it is hard to find jobs. Pressures can also come from environmental hazards such as

floods and fire. These pressures impact upon the well-being of the poor in these Slum. Poverty

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can also create long-term pressures. People are unable to obtain adequate food, clean water and

other basic services, as well as education. Their health and living standards often suffer when

their settlements are situated close to sources of pollution. The environmental hazards and

vulnerable locations of Slum mean that the effects of the hazards on informal communities are

great. These inhabitants have little ability to provide for themselves. They live in a state of

uncertainty as they have no tenure over the land they occupy are illegally. At the same time,

people living in hazardous location have the continuous threat of unpredictable disaster. Both

external and internal hazards affect their livelihoods. World Health Organization (WHO) notes

that informal habitants are frequently ill as a result of the poor quality of their environment and

exposure to disease. They are in a state of persistent poverty and frustration. Disasters may cause

death and loss, while the poor housing and sanitation also threaten their health.

2.3.3 Slum and Challenges

a. Crime Rate

The reality associated with these Slum is the poverty levels within which their inhabitants live,

and the social exclusion to which they are subjected as a consequence of, among other factors, a

lack of sufficient income to satisfy their basic needs (Paudel, 2003). Their daily challenges

according to (Baharoglu and Kessides, 2004) include; limited access to employment

opportunities and income, inadequate and insecure housing and services, violent and unhealthy

environments, and limited access to adequate health and education opportunities. He went further

to state that poverty in Slum is not just a collection of characteristics; it is also a dynamic

condition of vulnerability or susceptibility to risks. The fact that they lack all these conditions

and the necessity for employment to generate an income to satisfy their needs makes this

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informal urban environment a fertile ground for illegal informal activities including violence and

crime (Lumanti, 2005).

b. Poverty and Environmental Conditions

In the 21st century the world has become urban, with the majority of the global population living

in cities and towns. The fastest rates of urbanization are now taking place in developing

countries, where average incomes are the lowest (Weiss, 2001). This suggests that poverty

which used to be a rural phenomenon is becoming gradually more urban issue, especially in the

developing world. Urban areas are the main generators of economic prosperity, and thus are best

positioned to contribute toward the elimination of poverty. Urbanization is an incentive to

development and wealth creation in the sense that cities are places of innovation and attractors of

industrious and agile individuals (Serageldin, 1996). However, the potentials of urbanization

especially in the developing countries have been hampered by the its overwhelming negative

effects such as congestion, poverty, environmental decay, pollution, unemployment and

incidence of Slum formation as a result of inability of government to adequately meet the

housing and infrastructure needs of the urban poor. Urban poverty has many dimensions. It can

generally be characterized by a combination of the following characteristics: inadequate income

and inadequate or unstable economic assets, inadequate social capital, lack of services and

infrastructure and inadequate housing. It is worrisome that today millions of people still live in

indecent housing in informal urban settlements without basic services like clean water,

sanitation, basic roadways or footpaths, and drainage, this is a common phenomenon in urban

centers. The impacts of service failures and indecent housing on health, liveability, prosperity

and sustainability of human settlement cannot be over emphasized. Housing in its present-day

definition is more than just a shelter but include the environment and all necessary infrastructures

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that make life comfortable. Housing is a key determinant of quality of life that can be measured

at individual, household, and community levels. It has economic, social, and psychological and

physical significance which support community functioning. The need for adequate and decent

housing is now part of the central focus and an integral component in National strategies for

growth and poverty reduction. Decent and affordable housing is one of the basic needs of

individuals, the family and the community at large. It is a pre-requisite to the survival of man.

Housing as a component of the environment has impact on the health, liveability, prosperity,

efficient, social behaviour, satisfaction and general welfare of the community at large. However,

it has been established that housing problem in developing countries’ cities as exemplified by

Lagos is not only limited to quantities but also qualities of the available housing unit’s

environment. The problem is more pronounced in urban Slum where overcrowding, congestion

and inadequate facilities have become order of the day. These problems are more compounded

by lack of legal title (secured tenure) of the residents. It has been argued at different quarters

that security of tenure is one of the most important catalysts in stabilizing communities,

improving shelter conditions and provision of decent and adequate housing for the urban poor

who are mostly accommodated in Slum which are characterized by poor environmental

conditions. The environmental quality of urban areas has a serious effect on the health status of

all urban residents. While the entire urban population suffers from poor environmental quality,

the urban poor tend to be the most vulnerable as they are often living in marginalized parts of the

city, contiguous with waste sites and well beyond the reach of water, sanitation and other

environmental services. Their situation is further amplified because they do not have sufficient

resources to invest in infrastructure improvements. The negative consequences of poor

environmental quality impact every aspect of their lives as well as the liveability and health of

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the community at large. Healthy cities require safe, easily accessible, and affordable water;

sanitation; safe home and work environments; clean air; and reduced exposure to disease

pathogens. Poor housing conditions, exposure to excessive heat or cold, diseases, air, soil and

water pollution along with industrial and commercial occupational risks, which are inherent

features of informal urban settlements and their dwellers, exacerbate the already high

environmental health risks for the urban poor. Lack of safety nets and social support systems,

such as health insurance, as well as lack of property rights and tenure, further contribute to the

health vulnerability of the urban poor.

2.4 Slums and Squatter Settlements

There is no satisfactory consensus on the definitions of slums and squatter settlements, as terms

vary from culture to culture. Slums are often perceived to be Slum. UN-Habitat defines slums

as contiguous settlements where inhabitants are characterized as having:

(i) insecure residential status;

(ii) inadequate access to safe water;

(iii) inadequate access to sanitation and other basic infrastructure and services;

(iv) poor housing quality; and

(v) Overcrowding (UN-HABITAT, 2003).

On the other hand, squatter settlements can be defined as a residential area which has

developed without legal claims to the land or permission from the concerned authorities to

build; as a result of their illegal status, infrastructure and services are usually inadequate. It

becomes clear from the foregoing that squatter settlements as distinct from inner-city slums,

essentially constitute what is referred to as urban Slum. As pointed out in (HABITAT,2003),

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 it means slums are areas where people with land ownership live in poor environmental and

socio-economic conditions and are different from squatters which are the settlements where

people build houses without legal title to land.

2.6 Environmental Condition of Slum in Abuja

Abuja urban agglomeration is characterized by a very significant presence of the urban poor,

with a growing poverty profile. Slum have multiplied over the years and the living condition of

the poor is getting worse. Environmental decline, inadequate basic services and

infrastructure in the Slum across the Federal Capital hit the poor hardest. Slum which range

in size from clusters of shacks to entire districts are scattered across the six-local government of

the Federal Capital. The number of Slum and Slum dwellers in FCT are increasing at a faster

pace on daily basis. As far back as 1984, 42 settlements had been identified as blighted

(UNCHS/Lagos State Government). The number has risen to about 100 as at 2004 (UN-

Habitat/Lagos State Government, 2004). The study carried out by Nubi and Omirin in 2006

revealed that over 70% of the built-up area of the FCT is blighted. Although, presently there is

no accurate data on the exact number of such settlements and their population but there are

indications that there are over 200 of such settlement in FCT. It is observed that the Slum are

located on private and government lands without access to basic services. The poor, not only

dwell in the slums of the city but are spread in squatters and Slum located in vulnerable areas

such as swamp, canal setback, rail line setback, marginal land among others, deprived of basic

infrastructural services. This makes them more vulnerable to environmental degradation, threats

of eviction, ejection and demolition. The urban challenges of developing countries as identified

by Population Reference Bureau in 2004 include environmental hazards, natural disasters, public

and reproductive health, and poverty. These are all apparent in the various pockets of informal

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communities located across FCT. The environment components such as land, water and air

which provide support system for healthy living are been polluted daily in FCT as a result of

pressure on them due to human developmental activities and desire to meet daily livelihood.

According to Gandy (2006) the city’s sewerage network is virtually non-existent and at least

two-thirds of childhood disease is attributable to inadequate access to safe drinking water. In

heavy rains, over half of the city’s dwellings suffer from routine flooding and a third of

households must contend with knee-deep water within their homes during raining season. With

this situation, the poor are mostly affected because they often live in ecologically vulnerable

areas. There are many of such settlements in FCT notably, Mpape, Nyanya, Zuba, Agwandodo in

Gwagwalada among others.

2.7. Empirical Review

Funmilayo (2012) Studied Housing Quality in Slum and Urban Upgrading in Ibadan, Nigeria.

The study examines the causes and characteristics of Slum in the assessment of housing quality.

Attributes data, was used for the study. These were obtained from the primary and secondary

sources. The study adopts Survey Research Design method, a reconnaissance survey of the study

area was carried out and it was observed that there are currently a total of 200 houses from which

10% were selected for sampling. Therefore, by approximation a total number of 20 houses were

selected for questionnaire administration. Systematic random sampling technique was used. The

study identifies the problems that have aided Slum to: urbanization, poverty, growth of informal

sector, non-affordability of land and housing shortage. The study asserts that the Slum have

serious adverse effects on the people’s health, their built environment and housing quality.

Oluwafemi (2010) also studied urban poverty and environmental conditions in Slum of

Ajegunle, Lagos Nigeria. A reconnaissance survey of the study area was carried out and it was

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observed that there are currently a total of 4,236 houses from which 10% were selected for

sampling. Therefore, by approximation a total number of 424 houses were selected for

questionnaire administration. Systematic random sampling technique was used hence. The

findings revealed that majority of the residents are poor and their daily life pattern is

characterised by unpleasant, unhealthy and difficult situation as a result of low financial

capacity, lack of adequate infrastructural facilities and decent housing as well as environmental

degradation. Bolanle (2017) researched on transforming Nigerian Slum into liveable

Communities: Strategies and Challenges. There is a growing acceptance of the “informal city” in

developing countries. A larger percentage of the city populations who live in Slum are employed

extensively in the informal economy and consequently their activities influence the socio-

economic and physical development of the nation (Oduwaye and Olajide, 2010). Lack of

affordable housing policies, as well as the increasing trend and scale of informal developments,

are enough reasons for both international institutions and national governments and their

agencies, planning professionals and other stakeholders to recognize the fact that Slum are here

to stay and demand urgent interventions to reduce their challenges and enhance their liveability.

Interventions should be moved towards the design of more efficient and practical ways to

improve these neighbourhoods through inclusive, implementable and sustainable urban policies

and programmes that are cost-efficient and beneficiary-friendly. The implementation of chosen

interventions should be broad-based, flexible, and socially inclusive and recognise the

indigenous knowledge and practices of the people in the development and management of their

communities. Bronte (2020) assessed the environmental impacts of Slum in vietnam: The case

study of the hue citadel unesco world heritage site. The Slum at Hue Citadel, Vietnam, a

UNESCO World Heritage site, grew during the American War in Vietnam in response to

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displacement and the need for protection from warfare. Temporary accommodation sprung-up

behind the historical fortified ramparts and moat and is often the case with Slum, once

temporarily established it flourished. The Slum now comprises hundreds of combined residential

and business dwellings. Without adequate access to clean water, waste management or

sanitation, coupled with a lack of infrastructure, the Hue Slum has impacted upon the

surrounding environment. A resettlement plan has now been implemented by the government

which will see residents relocated several kilometres away from the Citadel. Poonam, John and

Eberhard (2017) studied global environmental impact of Slum and perceptions of local

environmental threats: an empirical case study in Suva, Fiji. The concept of the Ecological

Footprint (EF) was used as a metric of comparison. Using a component-based EF approach

questionnaire to 150 respondents was administered to two Slum and one adjacent planned

neighbourhood. Total EF and separate EF components (water, food, transport, energy, clothing,

and material assets) were analyzed through graphs, by examination of descriptive statistics, and

through the use of non-parametric inferential statistics. It was revealed that there are differences

between the adjacent planned neighbourhood and the Slum for several EF components, but found

no difference for other EF components (e.g. water consumption). Through questionnaires and

interviews we also examined perceived level of concern for environmental threats of Slum

dwellers and residents of an adjacent moderate SES neighbourhood who share the same

geographic space, but have very different living conditions. We found that concerns about

sewage, deforestation, clean water and poor sanitation were of particularly high concern in one

Slum, but not the other, suggesting that perceptions of threat can be very different even among

Slum. We conclude that a better understanding of the social characteristics of Slum is valuable

for Slum urban planning decisions in developing countries. Adiukwu (2017) assessed Prospects

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and Challenges of Slum and Urban Upgrading in Abuja. According to Adiukwu (2017) As Abuja

continues to develop, innovative policies and practices are, needed so that development is

equitable and sustainable. The initiatives of South Africa in addressing squatter settlements, for

example, have been very successful in which people living in Slum, who had no urban services

were supplied with water, sanitation, and access to housing. In Brazil, there have been cases

where slum dwellers are given right to, land. Abuja being a federal capital city needs

infrastructure, and basic services to cope. It has been, ascertained that the urban “squatter”

resident lack basic infrastructural facilities and live in unsafe condition.

CHAPTER THREE

METHODOLOGY

This chapter describes the nature and sources of data required for this research it also describes

the sampling techniques used, the structural questionnaire design and administration. Methods of

data collection, sampling techniques and method of data analysis are presented in this chapter.

3.1 Types and Sources of Data

Two types of data are to be collected for the study. These are primary and secondary.

3.1.1. Primary Data

The primary source of data was from direct field observation which involved administration of

questionnaire, interview, pictorial evidence and personal observation.

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3.1.2 Secondary Data

The secondary data was extracted from the review of published and unpublished records,

information on area planning from authorities at local, regional and national lands as well as

government officials, documents on slum development and maps.

3.2 Sampling Procedure

3.2.1 Sample Frame

The sampling frame for the study involves the following: slum area of Paikon- Kore,

Gwagwalada Area Council, FCT.

3.2.2 Sampling size

Since population of the study area is not known, Cochran (1963) is employed;

nO = Z 2pq
e2
where nO = is the sample size
Z 2 = is the abscissa of normal curve that cut off and area α at the tails (1-α) (1.96)
P = estimated proportion of the attribute that is present in the population (0.5)
q = 1-p (0.5)
e2 = desired level of precision (0.05)

Sample size = (1.96)2 (0.5)(0.5)

0.052
Sample size = (3.8416) (0.25)

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 0.052
Sample size = 0.9604
0.0025

Sample size = 384

A sample size of three hundred and eighty-four (384) respondents was interviewed from slum
area of Paikon- Kore, Gwagwalada Area Council, FCT.

3.2.3 Sampling Techniques

A systematic sampling was considered appropriate in this study. Specifically, this sampling

method was carefully chosen to suit the aim of this study. The sampling interval of 6 housing

unit was adopted. The questionnaire was be administered at every 6 th house. Systematic

sampling is chosen because it is efficient, less time-consuming, and simple and as low risk of

data manipulation. Choosing a sample size through a systematic approach can be done quickly.

Once a fixed starting point has been identified, a constant interval is selected to facilitate

participant selection.

3.3 Method of Data Collection

3.3.1 Questionnaire Administration

The questionnaire employed in this study was highly structured to gather enough data. There are

four sections in the questionnaire. While section A was devoted to the socio-economic

characteristics of the respondents, the other sections addresses each of the specific objectives of

the study as contained in chapter one; factors responsible for the state of the slum in the study

area, condition of infrastructures in the study area, impacts of slum settlement on the social

characteristics of the residents of the study area and impacts of slum settlement on the economic

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characteristics of the residents of the study area. In addition to the researcher, two field

facilitators were employed in the course of the survey. Both of them would help in the data

collection by means of language interpretation and in filling in the responses for those

respondents who are not literate.

3.3.2 Field observation

It involved the observation of the housing type, nature of the road, availability of drainages,

availability of open waste dump, method of waste disposal as well as the method of waste

management in the study area.

3.4 Method of Data Analysis

This data collected was presented in tabular form and analyzed using descriptive statistics,

frequency table, simple percentage, histogram among others.

CHAPTER FOUR

DATA PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSSION

This chapter focuses on the presentation of the analyzed result of data collected from the
questionnaire administered in the field of study and secondary data. The chapter is divided into
two sections; the first section provides the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents,
while the other section covers the research questions respectively.

4.1 Socio-Economic Characteristics of Residents of the study area

The socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents were investigated in line with the
objectives of the study. Hence the table below shows the socio-demographic characteristics of
the study area.
Table 4.1: Sex characteristics of respondents
Sex characteristics Frequency Percentages (%)

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 Male 202 54
Female 169 46
Total 371 100

Source: Field work, 2024

Table 4.1 above shows the analysis of the sex characteristics of the respondents. The sex
characteristics of the respondent shows that 54% are males and 46% are females. This implies
that majority of the respondents are males. Due to the population been more male economic
activities like; informal labours, construction works, small scale trading and agriculture are
prevalent
Table 4.2: Age Distribution of respondents

age characteristics Frequency Percentages (%)

18-30 131 35
31-45 113 31
46-70 79 21
71-80 48 13
81 and above 0 0
Total 371 100

Source: Field work, 2024

Table 4.2 above shows the analysis of the age characteristics of the respondent, the result shows
that 35% are between the ages of 18 – 30 years, 31% are between 31 – 45 years, 21% are
between 46 – 70 years while 13% are between 71-80. The result presented shows that majority of
the respondents are between the ages of 18– 45, which constitutes about 66% of the population.
This is the working population which would significantly affect slum development of the study
area.

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 45
45 40
40

35

30

25

20
13
15

10
2
5

0
Single Married Divorce Widow

Figure 4.1: Marital status of respondents

Source: Field work, 2024

Figure 4.1 above shows the analysis of the Marital status of the respondents, the marital status of
the sample area is shows 45% of respondents indicated that they are married, 40% of the
respondents are single, 13% are widow, while 2% are divorced. The result presented above
shows that majority of the population sampled are married. This corroborate the findings of
Leke, Victorm and Omoayena (2014); Michael et al., (2017), the study also shows that there is
high proportion of married people in Gwagwalada.

Table 4.3: Occupational Characteristics of respondents

Occupation Frequency Percentage(%)
Students 87 23
Civil servants 82 22
Farmers 95 26
Business Owners 79 21
Others 28 8
Total 371 100

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Source: Field work, 2024
Table 4.3 shows 26% of respondents in the study area are involved in farming, 23% are students,
22% are civil servants, 21% are business owners while 8% are others. This indicates that a high
percentage of the respondents are farmers and students. This show while the study are is a slum
as there are more of low income earners.

8% 13%

Primary school
Secondary school
37% Tertiary Institution
Qur’anic
42%

Figure 4.2: Educational Characteristics of respondents

Source: Field work, 2024

Figure 4.2 shows the analysis of the educational characteristics of the respondents, the
educational characteristics shows 42% of the respondents with secondary school education, 37%
with tertiary education, 13% with primary education while 8% with non-formal education. The
result presented shows that most of the resident are literate were able to give required
information on the subject matter based on experience.

Table 4.4: Income Status of Respondents

Income Frequency Percentage(%)

Less than ₦30,000 120 32
₦30,000 - ₦60,000 95 26

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 ₦60,001 - ₦90,000 64 17
90,001 – ₦120,000 48 13
₦120,001 - ₦150,000 39 11
₦200,000 and above 5 1
Total 371 100

Source: Field work, 2024

Table 4.4 above shows the analysis of the income characteristics of the respondent, the income
characteristics shows 32% of the respondents indicated they earn less than ₦30,000, 26% earn
between ₦30,000 - ₦60,000, 17% earn between ₦60,001 - ₦90,000, 13% earn between 90,001 –
₦120,000, 11% earn between ₦120,001 - ₦150,000 and 1% earn between ₦200,000 and above.
The result presented shows that most of the resident earns between #30,000 – 60, 000, this
category as the highest percentage. This indicates that occupation and income are closely related
in the study area. According to Ademola et al., (2021), the nature of occupation in the study area
determines their level of income, with this low and average-income distribution, this implies that
most of the people live in the area, because of their low level of income.

4.2 Factors Responsible for The State of The Slum in The Study Area

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 20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
re n
en
t on on ct
ctu a tio m ati ati g le
tru ul oy ad uc ne
ra
s op pl eg
r e d d
nf er
p
em ld d an
ri Ov un ta an on
pe d en re pti
ro an ca ru
p
rty nm l th or
of ve iro a lc
ck v he ca
a Po En o liti
L st Po
es
a cc
e
at
e qu
ad
In

Figure 4.3: Causes of slum in the Study Area

Source: Authors Field survey, 2024

Figure 4.3 shows that 20% of respondents indicated that the causes of slum in the study area is
due to poverty and unemployment, 19% indicated lack of proper infrastructure, 17% indicated
over population, 16% indicated political corruption and neglect and inadequate access to health
care and education respectively and 12% indicated environmental degradation. The result shows
that the major causes of slum in the study area is due to poverty, unemployment, lack of
infrastructure and over population as indicated by 56% of the respondents. The study agrees with
finding by Karn, (2003) that impact of poverty and environmental factors highly pronounced
between slums and pavement dwellers. The study revealed that income, literacy, sanitation and
personal hygiene have had impact on the morbidity of the people. Also, Gangadharan, (2005)
that slum area is affected with poor household conditions, educationally backward, high level of
diseases, lack of available health services. However, the study is in contrast to the study by Lall
et al. (2008) who found in Pune, India that a major factor affecting the location of slums was
their physical proximity to the Central Business District.

Table 4.5: Effect of social factors on slum creation in the study area

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 Effect of social factors on slum creation Frequency Percentage(%)
Social exclusion and discrimination 62 17
Lack of community cohesion 45 12
High crime rates and violence 89 24
Substance abuse and addiction 66 18
Limited access to social services and support networks 109 29
Total 371 100
Source: Authors Field survey, 2024

Table 4.5 shows that 29% of respondents indicated that the effects of social factors on slum is
limited access to social services and support networks, 24% indicated high crime rates and
violence, 18% indicated substances abuse and addiction, 17% indicated social exclusion and
discrimination and 12% indicated lack of community cohesion. The result shows that the major
effects of social factors on slum is limited access to social services and support networks and
high crime rates and violence as indicated by 53% of the respondents.

Table 4.6: Contribution of Environmental Factors to Challenges Faced by The Slum in the
study area

Contribution of environmental factors to the Frequency Percentage(%)

challenges faced by the slum
Poor sanitation and waste management 83 22
Pollution and environmental hazards 69 18
Vulnerability to natural disasters 58 16
Lack of access to clean water and electricity 84 23
Inadequate housing and shelter options 77 21
Total 371 100
Source: Authors Field survey, 2024

Table 4.6 shows that 23% of respondents indicated that the contribution of environmental factors
to challenges faced by the slum in the study area is lack of access to clean water and electricity,
22% indicated poor sanitation and waste management, 21% indicated inadequate housing and
shelter options, 18% indicated pollution and environmental hazards and 16% indicated

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vulnerability to natural disasters. The result shows that the major contribution of environmental
factors to challenges faced by the slum in the study area is lack of access to clean water and
electricity and poor sanitation and waste management as indicated by 55% of the respondents.
Similar findings have been reported by Schelling (1978) and Abramo (2009) who indicated that
neighborhood amenities are important locational decisions slum dwellers consider. Goswami and
Manna, (2013) have discussed about the environmental aspect of the slums. Environmental
changes are driven by many factors including economic growth, population growth,
urbanization, intensification of ag noriculture, rising energy use and transportation.

4.3 Condition of Infrastructures in The Study Area

38%
40

35
29%
30
23%
25

20

15

10 7%

3%
5

0
Very poor Poor Fair Good Very good

Figure 4.4: Overall Condition of Infrastructure in The Slum Area

Source: Authors Field survey, 2024

Figure 4.4 shows that 38% of respondents rate overall condition of the infrastructure in the study

area as verry poor, 29% as poor, 23% as fair, 7% as good and 3% as very good. The result shows

that the overall condition of infrastructure in the area is very poor. The finding is similar to the

finding Phukan, (2014) revealed that the housing, water facility and sanitation system in the

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slums of the Jorhat City are poor for which the slum dwellers have to face various problems,

even such pathetic condition harms many dwellers outside the slums. Inadequate transportation

for instance, can isolate the community from economic opportunities, only 10% respondent rate

infrastructure as good or very good, indicating that a small minority may have better access to

service, suggesting inequality within the community.

Table 4.7: Infrastructure With Worst State in The Slum Area

Specific Types of Infrastructure Do You Consider Frequency Percentage(%)

to Be in The Worst Condition Within the Slum
Roads and pathways 79 21
Drainage systems 26 7
Water supply 29 8
Electricity supply 91 25
Sanitation facilities (toilets, waste disposal) 33 9
Housing structures 64 17
Public transportation facilities 27 7
Others 22 6
Total 371 100
Source: Authors Field survey, 2024

Table 4.7 shows that 25% of respondents indicated electricity supply as the infrastructure with

worst state, 21% indicated roads and pathways, 17% indicated housing structures, 9% indicated

sanitation facilities, 8% indicated water supply, 7% indicated drainage system and public

transportation facilities and 6% indicated others. The result shows that electricity, roads and

paths and housing structures supply as the infrastructure with worst state. the study is similar to

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findings by Retnaraj (2001) that slum dwellers are facing various types of problems like lack of

drinking water facilities, latrine facilities and electric connections in the slums of Kerala.

8%

12%
35%
Daily
Multiple times a week
Once a week
17% Occasionally
Rarely

27%

Figure 4.5: Experience Disruptions or Outages in Basic Services Such as Water and
Electricity Supply in The Slum Area

Source: Authors Field survey, 2024

Figure 4.5 shows that 35% of respondents indicated there is daily disruptions of water and

electricity supply, 28% indicated multiple times a week, 17% indicated one a week, 12%

indicated occasionally and 8% indicated rarely. The result shows that electricity, water ae

disrupted daily in the study area. The finding is similar to the result reported by Risbud, (2003)

slums get their water from tube wells or community standpipes. Women and children daily spend

a lot of time and have to make several trips to collect water. Sanitation in slums is very poor.

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Inadequate water supply and poor maintenance of the water availability causes unhygienic heath

condition in the slums of Mumbai.

4.4 Impacts of Slum Settlement on the Socio-Economic Characteristics of the Residents of

the Study Area

Table 4.8: Living In the Slum Impacted Your Household's Economic Situation in the Study

Area

Living In the Slum Impacted Your Household's Frequency Percentage(%)

Economic Situation
Decreased household income 190 51
Increased household income 31 8
No significant change in household income 98 27
Unable to determine 52 14
Total 371 100
Source: Authors Field survey, 2024

Table 4.8 shows that 51% of respondents indicated there is decreased household income, 27%

indicated no significant change in household income, 14% indicated unable to determine, 8%

indicated increased household income. The result shows living in the slum impacted household

economy situation in the study area by decreased in household income in the study area. the

study confirmed the study by Pawar & Mane, (2013) thus slum dwellers do low levels of jobs

and get less money, so their socio-economic condition is poor.

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Table 4.9: Slum Settlement Has Provided Opportunities for Economic Advancement for Its

Residents in the Study Area

Slum Settlement Has Provided Opportunities for Frequency Percentage(%)

Economic Advancement for Its Residents
Yes, there are opportunities for economic 90 24
advancement
No, there are limited or no opportunities for economic 232 61
advancement
Unsure 49 13
Total 371 100
Source: Authors Field survey, 2024

Table 4.9 shows that 61% of respondents indicated no, there are limited or no opportunities for

economic advancement, 24% indicated yes, there are opportunities for economic advancement,

and 13% indicated unsure. The result shows no, there are limited or no opportunities for

economic advancement.

Table 4.10: Living In the Slum Affected Your Access to Education for Yourself and Your

Family Members in the Study Area

Living In the Slum Affected Your Access to Frequency Percentage(%)

Education for Yourself and Your Family Members
Limited access to education due to financial 159 45
constraints
Limited access to quality educational institutions 131 35
No impact on access to education 43 12
Improved access to education through community 38 10
initiatives
Total 371 100

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Source: Authors Field survey, 2024

Table 4.10 shows that 45% of respondents indicated limited access to education due to financial

constraints, 35% indicated limited access to quality educational institutions, 12% indicated no

impact on access to education and 10% indicated improved access to education through

community initiatives. The result shows there is limited access to education due to financial

constraints, 35% indicated limited access to quality educational institutions.

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 CHAPTER FIVE

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

5.1 Summary
The study assessed the impact of slums on socio-economic activities in Paiko-kore, Gwagwalada
Abuja; while data were gathered and collected through primary and secondary sources was used
to analyze the data gathered from the respondents. Major findings of the study revealed that:
i. It was found that highest percentage (20%) of respondents indicated that the causes of
slum in the study area is due to poverty and unemployment, followed by 19%
indicated lack of proper infrastructure, while the reason according to 2% of
respondents is environmental degradation.
ii. The result revealed that 29% of respondents which was the highest indicated that the
effects of social factors on slum is limited access to social services and support
networks, followed by 24% of respondents indicating high crime rates and violence,
while the least of respondents which is 12% indicated lack of community cohesion.
iii. The study revealed that that highest percentage (23%) of respondents indicated that
the contribution of environmental factors to challenges faced by the slum in the study
area is lack of access to clean water and electricity, 22% indicated poor sanitation and
waste management, and the lowest percentage (16%) indicated vulnerability to
natural disasters.
iv. The finding revealed that highest percentage (38%) of respondents rate overall
condition of the infrastructure in the study area as very poor. The result shows that the
overall condition of infrastructure in the area is very poor.
v. More also, the finding shows 25% of respondents which is the highest indicated
electricity supply as the infrastructure with worst state, followed by 21% indicated
roads and pathways, and lowest (6%) indicated others.
vi. The finding shows that highest percentage of respondents (35%) of respondents
indicated there are daily disruptions of water and electricity supply, followed by 28%
indicated multiple times a week, while lowest percentage (8%) indicated rarely.

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 vii. The finding revealed that 51% of respondents indicated there is decreased household
income, 27% indicated no significant change in household income, 14% indicated
unable to determine, 8% indicated increased household income.
viii. The finding revealed that 61% of respondents indicated no, there are limited or no
opportunities for economic advancement, 24% indicated yes, there are opportunities
for economic advancement, and 13% indicated unsure.
ix. The finding shows highest percentage of respondents (45%) indicated limited access
to education due to financial constraints, 35% indicated limited access to quality
educational institutions, 12% indicated no impact on access to education and 10%
indicated improved access to education through community initiatives.

5.2. Conclusion
On the basis of the above facts, we can say that slums are developed due to poverty and
unemployment, lack of proper infrastructure, over population, political corruption and neglect
and inadequate access to health care and education. The rate of slum development in the study
area as effects on social factors especially on limited access to social services and support
networks, high crime rates and violence, substances abuse and addiction, social exclusion and
discrimination and lack of community cohesion.

The residents of Paikon slum exhibit a low socio-economic profile,characterized by limited

access to education, low-income jobs and poor living conditions. A significant portion of the
population is engaged in informal sector activities, with many struggling to meet basic needs

The development of Paikon as a slum is attributed to rapid urbanization and weak governance
hence also contributed to overcrowding and poor living conditions

The study further concluded that contribution of environmental factors to challenges faced by the
slum in the study area is lack of access to clean water and electricity, poor sanitation and waste
management, inadequate housing and shelter options, pollution and environmental hazards and
vulnerability to natural disasters.

Among the infrastructure lacking in the area is electricity supply, roads and pathways, housing
structures, sanitation facilities, water supply, drainage system and public transportation which is

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disrupted daily. Slums development also causes decreased in household income, and there are
limited or no opportunities for economic advancement. Finally, slum causes limited access to
education due to financial constraints, limited access to quality educational institutions.

5.3. Recommendations
It is therefore appropriate in this chapter to highlight some policy consideration which, if
implemented could play an important role in improving in slum development. The following
policy considerations are recommended: -
i. There should be synergy between the government and the residents of Gwagwalada
by given them loan with no or little interest to boost their business in order to enhance
their monthly income and facilitate access to microfinance and support small-scale
enterprises, especially for women and youth in the community

ii. The government should implemented targeted programs for skill development
education, and employment opportunities to improve the economic standing of
paikon residents
iii. There should be enlightenment campaign and people-oriented awareness about the
importance of habitable environment, and maintenance culture of social facilities
provided by the government.
iv. The government at all level (federal, state and local) should develop the surrounding
rural area in order to reduce the rural-urban migration that was found to be one of the
causes of migration to this area and strengthen urban planning policies to provide
affordable housing and prevent the expansion of informal settlement
v. Government should prioritize slum upgrading initiative, such as improving access to
clean water, sanitation, electricity and healthcare services and also invest in better
transportation networks and educational facilities to promote access to opportunities
outside the area.

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 APPENDIX I

QUESTIONNAIRE

Department of geography and

Environmental management,
University of Abuja, Abuja Nigeria,

Dear Sir/Madam

I am an undergraduate student in the aforementioned Department undertaking research on ‘the

impact of slums on socio-economic activities in Paikon, Gwagwalada Abuja.

Your cooperation in answering the following question will greatly aid my study. The information
given shall be treated with utmost confidentiality and shall be used for the study only.

Thanks for your anticipated cooperation.

Yours faithfully,

Name

Matric Number

Instruction: Please tick [√] in the boxes, as appropriate or complete the dotted lines where
necessary.

Section A: Demographic and socioeconomic characteristics

1. Gender (a) Male ( ) (b) Female ( )

2. Age (a) 18 – 30 ( ) (b) 31– 45 ( ) (c) 46-60 ( ) (d) 61- 80 ( ) e) 81 and above ( )

3. Marital Status (a) single ( ) (b) Married ( ) (c) Divorced/separated ( ) (d)

Widow (er) ( )
4. Occupation (a) Student ( ) (b) Civil servant ( ) (c) Farmer ( )
(d) Business owner ( ) (e) others (Specify)...............................................
5. Literacy Level (a) primary school ( ) (b) Secondary school ( )
(c) Tertiary institution ( ) (d) Quaranic ( ) (e) others
(specify)...........................................................

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 6. Level of income (a) ₦10,000 - ₦20,000 ( ) (b) ₦20,001 - ₦50,000 ( ) (c)
₦50,001 – ₦100,000 ( ) (d) ₦100,001 - ₦500,000 ( ) (e) ₦500,000 and above ( )

Section B: Factors Responsible for The State of The Slum in The Study Area
7. What do you think are the primary causes contributing to the current state of the slum? a) Lack
of proper infrastructure b) Overpopulation c) Poverty and unemployment d) Environmental
degradation e) Inadequate access to healthcare and education f) Political corruption and neglect
8. To what extent do you believe social factors contribute to the condition of the slum? a) Social
exclusion and discrimination b) Lack of community cohesion c) High crime rates and violence d)
Substance abuse and addiction e) Limited access to social services and support networks
9. How do environmental factors contribute to the challenges faced by the slum? a) Poor
sanitation and waste management b) Pollution and environmental hazards c) Vulnerability to
natural disasters d) Lack of access to clean water and electricity e) Inadequate housing and
shelter options
Section C: Condition of Infrastructures in The Study Area
10. How would you rate the overall condition of infrastructure in the slum area? a) Very poor b)
Poor c) Fair d) Good e) Very good
11. Which specific types of infrastructure do you consider to be in the worst condition within the
slum? (Select all that apply) a) Roads and pathways b) Drainage systems c) Water supply d)
Electricity supply e) Sanitation facilities (toilets, waste disposal) f) Housing structures g) Public
transportation facilities h) Other (please specify) ___________
12. How often do you experience disruptions or outages in basic services such as water and
electricity supply? a) Daily b) Multiple times a week c) Once a week d) Occasionally e) Rarely
Section D: Impacts Of Slum Settlement on The Socio-Economic Characteristics of The

Residents of The Study Area

13. How has living in the slum impacted your household's economic situation? a) Decreased
household income b) Increased household income c) No significant change in household income
d) Unable to determine

14. Do you feel that the slum settlement has provided opportunities for economic advancement
for its residents? a) Yes, there are opportunities for economic advancement b) No, there are
limited or no opportunities for economic advancement c) Unsure

15. How has living in the slum affected your access to education for yourself and your family
members? a) Limited access to education due to financial constraints b) Limited access to quality

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educational institutions c) No impact on access to education d) Improved access to education
through community initiatives

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