Drivers of rural housing development in Edo State, Nigeria

Rural housing development is pivotal to tackling housing deficit in Nigeria. This study examines the challenges on existing housing structure in Ebele community, Benin City, Nigeria. It inquires into the housing finance structure, factors influencing its housing development and the infrastructural needs in the housing sector. It samples 30 residents from each of the five villages in Ebele community of Edo State. Using frequency counts and mean values, the result revealed that a considerable gap exists on the housing performance. The challenges being faced were majorly infrastructural deficits and shortage of capital. Innovative housing finance strategies were essentially lacking. Cultural and ethnic factors, neighbourhood factors, and infrastructural factors were rated the top drivers of housing development in the area. The study concluded that while addressing the drivers of rural housing development and tackling the challenges thereof, it is important to take into consideration the cultural values of the people. An integrated approach to rural housing development could bring about the required balance in housing development in rural and urban areas.