Demographic Changes and Its Effect on Development in Abuja, FCT
Chapter One
Research Objectives:
- Examining the types and provision of building security components in Abuja.
- Examining the factors influencing neighbourhood crime in
- Identifying and examining the types and rates of neighbourhood crime in Abuja between 2015 to 2023.
- Examining the relationship between the provision of building security components and neighbourhood crime rates in Abuja.
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
Conceptual Framework
Underpinning concepts in crime prevention
According to Natarajan (2013), crime is a frequent result of the interaction between criminally motivated individuals and opportunities. Motives are considered the root causes of crime, while opportunity refers to the possibility offered to commit a crime. According to related literature, measures to reduce crime, primarily in urban areas, are classified as preventive (crime prevention strategies). The most effective concepts that integrate both motive and opportunity in reduction of crime rates in residential neighbourhoods are Crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) by Jeffery in 1971 and defensible space by Newman in 1972 (Saville and Cleveland, 2013).
Crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED)
Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) was by Jeffery in 1971. CPTED is based on the concept that proper design and effective use of the built environment can lead to reduction of crime and fear of crime. CPTED works in residential, commercial, and industrial areas, and according to security experts CPTED has been successfully applied to entire neighbourhood and also to a single housing unit (Security Design Beyond the Acronym, 2023). CPTED concept is based on four main approaches, access control, surveillance, territorial reinforcement and maintenance (Goyal and Jha, 2021).
Access control: Access control aims to tighten access points to selected people and reduce opportunities for criminality. It can be done by physical elements like doors entrance, shrubs, fences, gates, security guard and or other physical elements (Goyal and Jha, 2021).
Surveillance: refers to the arrangement of physical design features involved with the activities and the people in order to maximize opportunities for surveillance, consequently leading to crime discouragement. It can be achieved by placing windows, providing adequate lighting and landscaping that allow for unobstructed views, and also human for patrol or security (Goyal and Jha, 2021).
Territorial reinforcement: defined marking of an area that is limited to one’s needs, which is the identity of ownership of a person or group of people in a place. It can be applied by using design elements such sidewalks, landscaping, porches, and other elements that establish the boundaries between public and private areas (Goyal and Jha, 2021).
Maintenance: Maintenance is an aspect related to territorial strengthening. Buildings that are not properly maintained will become fertile ground for criminal activity because they indicate a lack of control (Goyal and Jha, 2021).
Defensible space
The concept of defensible space was created by Newman in 1972, The concept, which contains elements of crime theory as well as a set of urban design principles, became popular in the 1970s as crime problems in the urban areas increased (Donnelly, 2010). It is a crime prevention approach that has gained considerable global acceptance. According to Donnelly (2010), that Newman states that defensible space is a concept that can slow down crime in residential settings, that includes buildings (houses) and entire neighbourhoods. According to Covington and Taylor (2013), defensible space is an approach for crime prevention when properly implemented. Newman explained that defensible space can be implemented based on a few principles. The principles combine to promote a sense of ownership, community, and responsibility in residents to secure and maintain a safe, productive, and well maintained neighbourhood (Cozens and Love, 2015).
The five principles that make defensible space according to (Al-Ghiyadh and Al- Khafaji, 2021). Territoriality: Use of physical or symbolic barriers to enhance the feeling of territoriality of residents in their area. Natural Surveillance: The physical characteristics that allow the resident to monitor their environment. Building image: Prevent residents from being stigmatized by choosing proper materials and design ideas. The juxtaposition of other facilities: Housing areas should blend in with commercial areas and other facilities, as this helps reduce crime and increase security. Safe Adjoining Area: residents gain the ability to inspect adjoining spaces through designing the adjoining area.
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research Design
This study used a quantitative research strategy; quantitative research is a systematic analysis of phenomena by the collection of measurable data and the application of statistical, mathematical, or computer techniques. Quantitative research uses sampling procedures that use numerical data or contain data that may be quantified to gather knowledge. It necessitates the use of research tools such as questionnaires for data gathering, as well as data collation and analysis methodologies.
Population Figure
TheparticulartargetpopulationforthisstudywillbethehouseholdofselectedneighbourhoodsinAbuja.Thehouseholdnumberoftheneighbourhoodsweregenerated from the projected 2006 population using the 3.2 growth rate of the NationalPopulaion Commission and divide by (6) the number of persons estimated to live perhousehold.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION
Socio-Economic Characteristics of Residents in Abuja
Table 4.1 present the socio-economic characteristic of residents in Abuja. The majority 72.1% of the respondents are male while 27.9% are female. About half 48.1% of the respondents were between the age of 26-35, 20.2% between the age 36-45, 15.2% between the age 46-55, 13.1% between the age 18-25 years and 3.3% within the age range of 55 and above. This indicated that most of the respondents are of active age and therefore, be fully aware of the happenings within the neighbourhoods of Abuja. 38.6% had HND/B.Sc/B.Tech, 36.4% OND/NCE and 18.6% had secondary, while 3.6% had PGD/Master/PhD and 2.9% had primary education. This indicated that most of the respondents are highly educated and capable to give a significant response to the research questions. Above half 58.8% of the residents are married, 35.9% are single, while 1.7% are separated, divorced or widowed.
The table also presents that 41.2% of the residents are self-employed, 27.6% are civil servants, 13.3% are artisans, 8.8% are traders and 7.1% are unemployed, while 1.9% are farmers. This unveiled that most of the residents in the Abuja had a source of income. However, 37.4% earned between ₦30,000 – ₦60,000 monthly followed by 32.6% earned less than ₦30,000 monthly, 14.8% earned between ₦61,000 – ₦90,000 monthly, while 8.6% and 6.7 % earned between ₦91,000 – ₦120,000 and above ₦120,000 respectively. 34% had a household size between 5-6 and above, 21% had between 3-4 and while 18.1% had between 1-2. 26.9% of residents had stayed in the area above 18 years, 22.1% for 4-8 years, 21% for 9- 13 years, 18.1% for less than 3 years and 11.9% had stayed for 14-18 years.
CHAPTER FIVE
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Conclusion
Regardless of how one views urban crime, neighbourhood crime, or crime in general, it remains a social threat that requires a concerted and immediate response. There is no doubt that there are other options for reducing neighbourhood crime. Building security components are one basic measure that has been described as a preventive approach to crime reduction with a very long lasting effect. Governments in various sectors of the economy, particularly in developing countries, are encouraged to create crime prevention programs. However, there have been few research on the impact of house security components on crime prevention.
The study focuses on the different types of building security components and their availability in impacting the rate of neighbourhood crime in Abuja. The study indicates, however, that urban residential neighbourhoods with suitable security components in place will prevent intrusions or damage to life and property, as well as lower the overall crime rate.
Recommendations
From findings the study recommended that:
- Building security components should be included as a matter of law in the national building
- Building plan approval should incorporate building security
- The most modern building security components such as computer base system (CCTV and alarm system) should be encourage.
- Urban planners and architects should strive to manipulate the built environment (housing) in a way that criminal activity will be reduced or even eliminated.
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