ASSESSMENT OF HILLTOP DEVELOPMENT IN AKURE, ONDO STATE NIGERIA

Abstract

Over the years, hilltop areas have evolved into a highly sought-after place of abode particularly in cities and impact increasingly influences quality of life, economic development, health, and many other aspects of urban life. Akure South Local Government Area has been chosen as a focus of study and emphasis were laid on assessment of hilltop development in Akure with a view to identifying the location of hilltop developments and to assess the socio-economic characteristics of hilltop dwellers with a view to suggesting appropriate planning standards. The data for this study were collected with 247 copies of questionnaire administered to the respondents and analyzed in order to have insight information on assessment of hilltop development. Systematic random sampling technique was adopted where data was extrapolated from respondents who are household heads. Spatial sampling was employed in allocating the number of buildings to be sampled in each of the clusters. The buildings were digitized by the use of ArcGis software, which was converted into point for easy counting and sampling within the study area. This study revealed that hilltop developments and its related problems could be controlled effectively by implementing appropriate planning standards in Akure. It was found that Hilltop areas in Akure had some challenges such as vulnerability to environmental hazard, problem of accessibility to developments since buildings and structures are erected on high elevations, and limited government revenue for basic infrastructures. In addition, this study recommended further research on post occupancy evaluation of the hilltops to assess their current use.