Covenant Journal of Research in the Built Environment
Abstract
This study investigated satisfaction with public housing amongst women in urban areas of Ogun State Southwest Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey of residents in nine housing estates constructed by the Government of Ogun State between 2003 and 2010 was conducted using structured questionnaire as data collection instrument. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and factor analysis. It was observed that most women living in public housing sampled in the study area were low and middleincome earners and not satisfied with their present housing conditions. Although they were most satisfied with housing unit features, the main source of dissatisfaction was poor access to basic services and social infrastructure in the housing estates. The management aspects of the housing schemes, size and security of the dwelling units were the main factors that determined respondents’ satisfaction with their housing environment. These findings suggest that the design and construction of housing units to specified standards does not ensure housing satisfaction, rather the management aspect of public housing which includes the location of the estates and provision of basic services and infrastructure are also important in enhancing housing satisfaction among low and middle-income urban women. Therefore, there is a need for improved knowledge of the specific housing needs of women among policy makers and housing developers as well as the involvement of women at all stages of public housing provision in Nigeria