Assessment of the Impact of Urban Renewal on the Livelihood System in Kaduna State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed the impact of the Kaduna State Urban Renewal Programme on the livelihood systems of people. A convenience sampling method was used to administer the structured questionnaire in the three (3) areas currently undergoing this renewal programme. Both Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse and summarise the data. Base on a weighted average of 3.019, the results from the data analysis, reports that majority of the respondents appeared to be aware of the Urban Renewal Programme in the Kaduna, Jema’a and Zaria Local Government Areas of Kaduna State probably as a result of the presences of much physical transformation under took by the government such as roads dualization/ construction, infrastructural rehabilitation/ renovations, constructions of fly overs and bridges, street lightening, city beautification and aesthetics. They are aware of the government's compensation plan, administrative planning, and adequate logistics planning, which may be a result of the government's demonstrated readiness. These respondents also have a high perception of the positive impact of the KURP on the education and economy of the inhabitants of these Metropolitan areas, since the dualization/or road expansions and construction are catalysts for reducing travel time, while market modernization and development of shopping malls will boost local economies. The research confirms that urban renewal activities in Kaduna State, while essential for urban development, have significant environmental and social repercussions. These changes adversely affect the livelihood systems of vulnerable populations, leading to socio-economic dislocation and diminished quality of life.