Examining Residential Land Use Conversion in Diobu, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

References

[1] Ayo-Odifiri, S. O., Alasa, A. O., Emeana, R. C., Fagbami, A. O., & Duruanyim, H. I. (2021). Assessment of urban sprawl in Benin metropolis, Nigeria. Int. J. Innov. Appl. Res, 6(7), 2454-6194.

[2] Cuesta, R., Sarris, C., Signoretta, P., & Moughtin, J. C. (2012). Urban design: Method and techniques. Routledge.

[3] Ibrahim, A. D. (2022). Geospatial Analysis of Land Use Change and Evaluation of Its Socio-Economic Causes and Implications in Makurdi Town, Benue State, Nigeria. Published Doctoral dissertation, University of Abuja, Nigeria.

[4] Ikiriko, T. D., & Gbarabe, F. O. (2024). Economic and social costs of flood disasters in Nigeria: implications for sustainable national development. Global Journal of Engineering and Technology Advances, 19(1), 091-103.

[5] Izeogu, P. C. V. (2018). Problems and prospects of urban and regional planning in Nigeria: port Harcourt metropolis since 1914. Page Publishing Inc.

[6] Lim, J., & Kang, M. (2022). The relationship between site planning and electricity consumption: An empirical analysis of multi-unit residential complexes in Seoul, Korea. Environment and Planning B: Urban Analytics and City Science, 49(3), 971-986.

[7] Mannan, Z. (2024). Public Private Partnership in the Higher Education Sector in Bangladesh: A Study on Model Building for Efficient Management System and Implementation Mechanism (Doctoral dissertation, © University of Dhaka).

[8] Nguyen, V. H., Agbola, F. W., & Choi, B. (2019). Does corporate social responsibility reduce information asymmetry? Empirical evidence from Australia. Australian Journal of Management, 44(2), 188-211.

[9] Nwokaeze, E. C., & Uchendu, G. I. (2025). Urbanization and Purpose-use Change in Diobu, Port Harcourt Nigeria. International Journal of Scientific Engineering and Science, 9(2), 68-76.

[10] Obinna, V. C., Owei, O. B., Ede, P., & Ojumoro, A. (2009). Housing stress and urban renewal imperatives in Diobu, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Journal of Geography and Regional Planning, 2(7), 198-213.

[11] Onwuanyi, N., & Oyetunji, A. K. (2021). The relevance of inter-market research to knowledge accessibility in property markets: lessons for Nigeria from the UK. Property Management, 39(5), 702-725.

[12] Raman, R., & Roy, U. K. (2019). Taxonomy of urban mixed land use planning. Land Use Policy, 88, 104102.

[13] Russell-Smith, J., Sangha, K. K., Costanza, R., Kubiszewski, I., & Edwards, A. (2018). Towards a sustainable, diversified land sector economy for North Australia. In Sustainable land sector development in Northern Australia (pp. 85-132). CRC Press.

[14] Stull, W. J. (1974). Land use and zoning in an urban economy. The American Economic Review, 64(3), 337-347.

[15] Topcu, M., & Kubat, A. S. (2009). The analysis of urban features that affect land values in residential areas. In Proceedings of the 7th International Space Syntax Symposium (Vol. 26, No. 1, pp. 1-9). KTH: Stockholm, Sweden.

[16] Umeh, K., & Ezeji, K. (2023). Determinants of housing transformations in public housing estates in Owerri capital territory Imo state, Nigeria. coou African Journal of Environmental Research, 4(2), 67-79.

[17] Zakari, N. (2022). Analysis of the Constraint to Private Housing Development in Minna Urban, Niger State, Nigeria. Published Master’s Dissertation, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria.

@article{1715493,
      author = {Simeipiri Wenike Johnbull, Tamunoiminabo Lawson},
      title = {Examining Residential Land Use Conversion in Diobu, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria},
      journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
      year = {2026},
      volume = {9},
      number = {9},
      pages = {2280-2290},
      issn = {2456-8880},
      url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1715493.pdf},
      abstract = {This study examines the phenomenon of residential land use conversion in Diobu, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria, focusing on the drivers, socio-economic impacts, and policy responses to the ongoing transformation of residential spaces. The rapid urbanization of Diobu, coupled with economic pressures, evolving community needs, and weak regulatory frameworks, has led to significant changes in land use, where residential areas are increasingly being repurposed for commercial, mixed-use, and industrial activities. This study employs a mixed-methods approach, including both qualitative and quantitative data collection, to analyze the factors driving residential land use conversion and to assess its consequences on housing affordability, community cohesion, local livelihoods, and infrastructure. The findings reveal that residential land use conversion in Diobu has exacerbated housing shortages, displaced lower-income residents, and placed additional strain on urban infrastructure, while fostering economic growth for developers and landowners. However, the lack of effective enforcement of zoning regulations and the absence of policies prioritizing affordable housing have worsened these impacts. Based on these findings, the study recommends strengthening urban planning regulations, promoting affordable housing initiatives, encouraging mixed-use developments with social equity considerations, and improving community engagement in the planning process. The study highlights the need for sustainable and inclusive urban development policies that balance economic growth with the preservation of affordable housing and community integrity, offering insights for urban planning practitioners and policymakers in Diobu and similar Nigerian urban contexts.},
      keywords = {Residential Land Use Conversion, Urbanization, Affordable Housing, Diobu, Port Harcourt},
      month = {March},
      doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I9-1715493}
  }