Structural Equation Modelling of Users’ Assessment of Affordable Housing in Developing Cities

Introduction

The issue of affordable housing remains a critical challenge for many developing cities, particularly in rapidly urbanizing regions of the world. Affordable housing, in this context, refers not only to the cost of housing but also to its overall quality, accessibility, and the ability of residents to maintain it while also meeting other basic living expenses. In cities like Ibadan, the urban population continues to grow, and the demand for decent and affordable housing has never been higher. This study investigates the users’ assessment of affordable housing among residents of Ibadan, a major urban center in southwestern Nigeria.

Affordable housing, as defined in the study, extends beyond just the financial aspect. It encompasses various factors, such as housing quality, accessibility to essential services, and the ability of residents to live in a safe and healthy environment. It is essential that housing is not only affordable but also conducive to a healthy, secure, and fulfilling lifestyle. In a growing city like Ibadan, the study explores the gap between the availability of affordable housing and residents’ satisfaction with their living conditions.

Theoretical Framework

In the context of affordable housing, it is crucial to link residents’ assessments to their living environments and the broader socioeconomic implications of their housing choices. The study introduces a theoretical model that connects users’ assessments of affordable housing with the various factors that define affordability. This includes both subjective factors, like perceptions of safety and convenience, as well as objective factors, such as the physical condition of the housing, its proximity to amenities, and its cost relative to household income.

Objectives of the Study

The primary aim of this study is to assess the perceptions and experiences of Ibadan residents regarding affordable housing. This investigation is pivotal in understanding how residents define and experience affordable housing within the urban context of a developing city. The study seeks to answer key questions:

1. What are the main factors influencing users’ assessments of affordable housing in Ibadan?
2. How do the residents perceive the quality, affordability, and accessibility of available housing?
3. What are the residents’ major concerns about their housing situation, and how can policy interventions address these concerns?

Research Methodology

To gather comprehensive insights into residents’ assessments of affordable housing, a structured questionnaire was designed and administered to a sample of 494 residents across five local government areas within Ibadan. This sample size was deemed adequate for capturing a diverse range of perspectives on housing affordability, including variations in income levels, family size, and housing types.

The research employed quantitative data analysis techniques to evaluate the residents’ assessments. Specifically, statistical packages SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) and AMOS (Analysis of Moment Structures) version 22 were used to analyze the collected data. These tools enabled the researchers to conduct exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to identify key factors influencing residents’ perceptions of affordable housing.

Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA)

EFA is used in the study to identify underlying patterns and dimensions within the data. It helps reveal the factors that shape residents’ perceptions of affordable housing. CFA, on the other hand, was employed to confirm whether the identified factors were consistent with the theoretical model proposed by the researchers.

These techniques allowed the study to explore and validate the complex relationships between various elements that contribute to the users’ assessment of affordable housing. In particular, they helped to uncover the weight given to factors such as housing quality, affordability, safety, and convenience, all of which influence how residents perceive the overall affordability of their housing.

Structural Equation Modeling (SEM)

To further validate the theoretical model, structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed as a tool for assessing the relationships between the variables identified in the study. SEM allows for a more nuanced understanding of how multiple factors interact to shape the overall assessment of affordable housing. By using SEM, the study was able to create a validated model that links users’ perceptions with key housing characteristics, ensuring that the theoretical framework accurately reflects the lived experiences of residents.

Key Findings

One of the main findings of the study is that a comprehensive and detailed examination of users’ assessments is critical for understanding the multifaceted nature of affordable housing. The residents’ feedback indicated that factors such as the cost of housing, the quality of the physical infrastructure, access to public services (such as water, electricity, and transportation), and safety are all integral to their perceptions of housing affordability.

A striking result from the analysis is the recognition that affordability is not purely a matter of price. While the cost of housing is undoubtedly a significant factor, residents also emphasized the importance of living in an environment that supports health, safety, and access to opportunity. Many residents reported dissatisfaction with housing that, although affordable, was situated in neighborhoods with limited access to basic services or in areas prone to crime and insecurity.

Another important finding is the role of maintenance in determining long-term housing affordability. The ability of residents to maintain their homes without incurring excessive costs was highlighted as a key factor in assessing whether a housing unit remains affordable over time. Residents who faced frequent maintenance issues reported greater dissatisfaction with their housing, even if the initial cost was within their budget.

Implications for Housing Policy

The study emphasizes the need for policymakers to consider a more holistic approach to affordable housing. It suggests that affordable housing policies should not only address the financial aspects of housing but also focus on improving the overall quality of life for residents. This includes investing in neighborhood infrastructure, enhancing safety, ensuring access to essential services, and addressing issues related to housing maintenance.

In addition, the study underscores the importance of involving residents in the decision-making process regarding housing development. By understanding their assessments and concerns, policymakers can design interventions that address real, tangible issues rather than relying solely on top-down solutions that may not meet the needs of the population.

Conclusion

The study provides valuable insights into the assessment of affordable housing in Ibadan, highlighting the complexity of defining and achieving affordable housing in a developing urban context. It suggests that a detailed, user-centered approach is essential for developing housing policies that are truly effective in improving the lives of residents. By integrating users’ assessments into the policymaking process, cities like Ibadan can move toward creating more sustainable, equitable, and truly affordable housing solutions for their growing populations.

Recommendations

Based on the findings, the study offers several key recommendations:

1. Policy Reform: Develop policies that consider not only the affordability of housing in terms of price but also its quality, accessibility to services, and safety.
2. Integrated Infrastructure Development: Ensure that affordable housing is located in areas with access to essential services such as transportation, healthcare, and education.
3. Resident Engagement: Involve residents in the planning and development of affordable housing projects to ensure their needs and concerns are addressed.
4. Maintenance and Sustainability: Implement measures to ensure that affordable housing units remain habitable and cost-effective over the long term, including better maintenance support and affordable repair services.

These recommendations provide a framework for addressing the challenges of affordable housing in Ibadan and similar urban centers in developing countries, contributing to a better understanding of how affordable housing can be effectively implemented in the future.

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