The influence of land use on the spatial variation of begging in Ogbomoso, Nigeria

Abstract

Following an observation that urban land use influences the incidence of begging, this paper examines the relationship between land use and begging with Ogbomoso as a case study. The study utilizes both the primary and secondary data. To determine the spatial variation, beggars were enumerated across the 20 political wards in Ogbomoso simultaneously for seven days. Structured questionnaires are also used to extract relevant information from randomly selected beggars. The study which employs z scores to compare the intensity of begging across the wards, confirms that the incidence of begging is a function of land use activities. It also observes that the incidence of begging in Ogbomoso conforms to concentric, sector and multiple nuclei theories of urban land use. It recommends, therefore that urban planners, religious leaders and governments have roles to play in proffering solutions to the menace. It also calls for more research works on the problem of begging.   Key words: Urban land use, begging, spatial.