URBANIZATION AND INFORMAL ACTIVTIES IN OSOGBO, NIGERIA

Abstract

The global trend of population growth in cities, referred to as urbanization, in recent times has been viewed with serious concern, especially, the resultant effect on the quality of life and urban environment. With almost 180,000 people added each day, it is estimated that urban population will increase to 61% by 2030 with over a billion living in poor conditions. This increase in urban population have created enormous challenges, one of which is the boom in the emergence of the informal sector such as street trading arising from the scramble for survival in the midst of biting socio-economic recession, spatial deprivation and reality of the city life. This study examines the effects of street trading activities on the road traffic environment and its implication for urban physical planning in Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria. A total of 1,023 street traders were disaggregated into six clusters along the major axis of the city. A sample of 278 traders, disaggregated proportionately among the clusters, was selected for questionnaire administration to determine their socio-economic and demographic characteristics, the factors that contribute to their perseverance, the potentials and challenges of their activities. In addition, vehicle operators and pedestrians were enumerated to determine the impacts of their interaction with the street traders. The study sheds light on the socio-economic characteristics of the street traders, the implication of their activities on traffic flow, safety and urban management. It also provides an empirical basis for understanding the mechanics of street trading andenhance formulation of policy initiatives for dealing with the menace of street trading in developing countries.