Spatial Growth of Calabar Metropolis: Determinants and Effects

Abstract

The physical development in Calabar metropolis has been restricted by the rivers surrounding it, which has further led to the development of unplanned settlement in haphazard arrangement within the metropolis, which therefore, requires proper and effective assessment. This study focused on examining the extent of growth of the built-up land area of Calabar, determinants and effects of the spatial growth of Calabar metropolis from 1987 to 2018. Data for the study was derived using questionnaire and in-depth interview and Relative Importance Index (RII) was used to analyze and rank the perception of respondents. Findings from both questionnaire survey and in-depth interview revealed that agricultural land-use was the major land use as at the year 1987. While built-up was identified as the major land use in 2018 implying a drastic change in the land-use change in the metropolis over the years. Finally, findings of the RII on the determinants and effects of the spatial growth of Calabar metropolis revealed that increase in population is the major determinant of the growth of the built-up area of the metropolis while increase in the cost of land within the metropolis is the most influential factor as a result of the spatial growth of the metropolis. The study recommended that improved rural programs should be embarked to reduce rural-urban migration and development of low-cost housing, accessible housing loans and grants should make available for the entire residence of Calabar irrespective of any bias which will curb the high cost of land and house rent within the metropolis among others.