LIVING WITHIN GATED COMMUNITIES: ANALYSIS OF DETERMINANTS AND RESIDENTS' PERCEPTIONS OF SAFETY IN IBADAN METROPOLIS

Abstract

Gated communities have rapidly gained momentum in Nigeria. These types of communities tend to be more popular among upper- and middle-income class residents. The objectives of this study are to develop a typology of gated communities in the study area; identify drivers of mobility into gated communities in the study area; and analyse residents' perception of crime and safety in selected gated communities. The data for were collected from primary and secondary sources. The research design was cross-sectional survey design while multi-stage sampling technique was used to select the respondents. Two sets of questionnaires were administered. The first set of questionnaire was 600 copies of questionnaire administered to the residents, while the second set of questionnaire was 60 copies of questionnaire distributed to the community heads or any reputable resident of the community. Data were then subjected to descriptive statistics, cluster analysis and regression analysis. Findings revealed that there are two types of gated communities in the study area. These were named as security zone community and prestige (name-bearing) communities. It was revealed that perceived safety from violence or property crime is one of the drivers of movement into gated communities. With respect to the perception of crime and safety by the residents of gated communities, it was observed that there were diverse perceptions or views by the residents. It was shown that few respondents believed that their community is located in an area that made residents feel increasingly vulnerable. The result shows that residents believed they are safer in gated communities compared to those in non-gated communities. The study thus recommended that gated communities should be more security inclined by having private patrol companies/dogs, bright lighting, direct emergency buttons on the wall/phone, and the visual access to the local police.