Neighbourhood characteristics and their relationship to sense of community in poor residential neighbourhoods in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria

Abstract

This paper focuses on the contribution of neighbourhood socio-physical characteristics on sense of community, and the relationship between sense of community and neighbourhood characteristics in poor residential neighbourhoods in Akure, Nigeria. Previous research has suggested several interrelated components which were integrated into this study: the social and physical characteristics of the neighbourhood and the socio-economic characteristics of the residents. Four specific residential neighbourhoods in the core of Akure were selected for the study, 532 questionnaires were successfully administered and analysed with frequency distribution and categorical regression analysis. The regression analysis confirmed a significant relationship between neighbourhood physical characteristics and sense of community (sum of square = 63.444; df = 24; p 0.000). Sense of community was also found to have a significant relationship with neighbourhood physical characteristics (sum of square = 71.107; df = 25; p 0.000). Variables on trust and social cohesion were the strongest predictors of neighbourhood physical characteristics. Socio-economic variables such as sex, age, education and income were strong predictors of sense of community. The paper concludes that sense of community, if well utilised, can result in neighbourhood improvement while neighbourhood physical characteristics are an essential tool in building a strong sense of community, particularly in poor residential neighbourhoods.