A quantitative approach to investigate factors contributing to social housing occupants’ challenges in the semi-arid climate of Nigeria

• Published in: Facilities (Bradford, West Yorkshire, England) Vol. 42; no. 5/6; pp. 537 - 552
• Main Authors: Modu, Mala Ali, Sapri, Maimunah, Ab Muin, Zafirah
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bradford Emerald Publishing Limited 12-03-2024; Emerald Group Publishing Limited
• Subjects: Affordable housing; Arid climates; Aridity; Building components; Climate change; Drought; Dust; Environmental conditions; Extreme weather; Factor analysis; Health facilities; Indoor air quality; Low income groups; Outdoor air quality; Public buildings; Public housing; Semiarid climates; Statistical models; Urban areas; Water shortages; Water supply; Weather; Nigeria; Maiduguri; Semi-arid climate; Social housing; Nigeria; Extreme weather events; Occupants’ challenges
• ISSN: 0263-2772; 1758-7131; 0263-2772
• DOI: 10.1108/F-03-2023-0025

Purpose
Social housing offers occupants comfort, safety and protection against extreme weather conditions. However, social housing occupants in various regions of Nigeria face various challenges. This paper aims to use a quantitative approach to examine the factors that contribute to the challenges faced by occupants in social housing within a semi-arid climate of Nigeria.
Design/methodology/approach
An exploratory cross-sectional survey was used to administer 1,032 copies of structured questionnaires to occupants of social housing in Maiduguri, one of the largest urban centers of the semi-arid climate in Nigeria. A total of 955 responses were retrieved, giving a response rate of 92.5%. The statistical model used in analyzing data was relative importance indices and factor analysis.
Findings
The results show that poor quality of FM services provided, poor maintenance of building components, damage to materials and valuables in the Harmattan period and housekeeping problems due to dust deposition in doors, while the poor response to occupants’ complaints/reports is the least among the occupants’ challenges in order of importance. Moreover, the results of the factor analysis further established that inadequate FM services and poor environmental conditions are the two factors contributing to the occupants’ challenges in social housing within the semi-arid climate of Nigeria.
Originality/value
This paper seeks to examine the factors contributing to social housing occupants’ challenges in the semi-arid climate of Nigeria. The paper should inform policymakers, academics and professionals.