Mixed-Use Housing and Urban Efficiency in Awka, Nigeria: Implications for Accessibility, Mobility and Sustainable Urban Development

Abstract

Nigerian cities are experiencing rapid urban growth, which has increased the strain on housing, transportation, infrastructure, and urban land. With a focus on accessibility, travel distance, traffic congestion, walkability, land utilization, and infrastructure sustainability, this study investigates the perceived contribution of mixed-use housing to urban efficiency in Awka, Nigeria. An empirical design based on surveys was used in the study. A standardized questionnaire using a five-point Likert scale was used to gather information from 400 Awka inhabitants. Residents' opinions on how mixed-use housing contributes to particular aspects of urban accessibility and efficiency were investigated in the questionnaire. Frequencies, percentages, and weighted mean scores were utilized to analyze the data; agreement was assessed using a mean threshold of 3.00. With a stated Cronbach's alpha of 0.81, the questionnaire showed respectable internal reliability. There was broad consensus among respondents that mixed-use housing can enhance urban efficiency. Improved sustainability and infrastructure efficiency had the highest mean score (4.17), followed by decreased travel distance and walkability promotion (both 4.15), better service accessibility (4.12), and less traffic congestion (4.09). According to the results, locals believe that more walkable neighborhoods, shorter daily commutes, and increased convenience are associated with the spatial integration of residential and complementary urban functions.