Mapping of Road Network and Connectivity among Small-Sized Urban Centres (SSUCs) in Kogi State, Nigeria

Abstract

Mapping of urban structure is essential for proper planning and development of urban centres. This study worked on the mapping of road networks and connectivity among small-sized urban centres (SSUCs) in Kogi State, Nigeria. The objectives of the study are to identify the road network, map out the road network and ascertain the quality of the road network. Purposive sampling techniques was used to select (20) local government headquarters in Kogi State. The study adopted geo-spatial techniques to identify and map out the road network and the distribution of e-questionnaires on five-point Likert scale to ascertain the quality of the road network. The purposive-convenience sampling technique was used to distribute the e-questionnaire. A total of (370) e-questionnaire was returned for analysis. The finding of the study shows the mapping of twenty (20) SSUCs road network connectivity. Also, 43.25% of respondents agree that the road network quality of SSUCs in Kogi State is good, 33.78% fair and 9.46% poor. While 8.11% and 5.41% of respondents’ perception of the road network quality of the SSUCs in Kogi State is very good and excellent respectively. The study shows that less than 50% of respondents' perception of the quality of road network agree that it is good. This suggests that the road network in the SSUCs in Kogi State needs further improvement for the growth of the SSUCs. The study provides insights into the nature of the road network and connectivity among SSUCs in Kogi State. Therefore, the study recommended multi-faceted approach to rehabilitation of road network, investment in road construction, implementation of road maintenance policy and establishment of road agency among the SSUCs in Kogi State in other to improve the road network quality.