Understanding the Livelihood Strategies of Informal Settlers in Enugu Urban, Nigeria

Abstract

Although the governance structure and environmental and agricultural impacts of peri-urban development in sub-Saharan Africa are known, little research attention has been given to understanding how residents of such areas are coping with their livelihoods in challenging locations in many urban centers in this region.This research aimed at investigating the livelihood coping strategies of peri-urban dwellers in Enugu, Southeast Nigeria.A crosssection survey involving two-stage cluster sampling technique was used in selecting 816 registered household heads who participated in this study.Questionnaire method was employed in the collection of data.Principal Component Analyses and multiple linear regression statistical tools were used to analyze the data.The results revealed the four main coping strategies to include home-based business (49.95%),retail trading (16.50%), domestic working (16.34%), and street trading (12.03%).Factors that influenced the identified coping strategies of these dwellers include age, sex, take-off capital, type of housing unit, and space availability.This study implies that contemporary urban planning strategies should take cognizance and integrate these coping strategies into modern urban planning practices and policy making.This is vital in ensuring that the contributions of this category of urban residents to the gross domestic product are adequately harnessed for national development.