Traders' perceptions of environmental quality as tools in improving public space: a study of markets in Ile-Ife, Nigeria

What is it about?

This study examined traders’ perceptions of environmental quality of markets in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Data for the study were collected from traders in Odo-Ogbe, Olorunsogo, Oja Ife, Bonfo and Urban Day markets. Using systematic sampling technique, data were obtained from 455 (103, 233, 50, 42 and 27) traders in the five markets through questionnaire administration. Information obtained from the traders were their socio-economic characteristics, their environmental and health problems, conditions of facilities provided and activities that could enhance environmental quality of the markets. Physical observations were also carried out for holistic and detail assessment of the environment. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Results showed that most of the traders were married (64.6%), females (74.5%) who were young adults within the age bracket of 31-45 years (39.8%) while over half of them had secondary school education (55.2%) and spent between 8 and 9 hours in the market on a daily basis. Using what is termed “Facility Condition Index” (FCI), it was shown that public toilet (FCI = 2.11), health centre (FCI = 1.76) and electricity supply (FCI = 1.43) were the three most deplorable facilities in the markets. Findings further showed that flooding, pollution and blocked drain, each with 22.1%, were the most common environmental problems. It was discovered that respiratory tract infection was the most prevalent health problem. The study concluded that the information obtained on traders’ perceptions held on environmental quality and responses on ways to enhance the markets’ environments could be invaluable tools in the hands of policy makers in ensuring that public spaces are safe and sound for the traders to operate.

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