Inter-Residential Cluster Variability and Deprivation Index for urban Green Spaces Distribution within Kano Metropolis

Abstract

Unequal distribution and exposure to urban green spaces in urban areas is receiving growing attention about its impact on human wellbeing. This researched is aimed at examining the interresidential cluster variability, deprivation and spatial injustice in the distribution of urban green spaces within Kano metropolis. Geospatial analysis was used in fishing out and computing the total area of green spaces within each residential cluster of Kano metropolis. Average green space are was used to determine areas experiencing deprivation. Cluster with above average green space area are not experiencing deprivation and those with below average are experiencing deprivation. The findings of the research revealed that there is unevenness in the distribution of urban green spaces within five residential clusters of Kano metropolis. Very High and Very Low Residential Clusters are experiencing serious deprivation in the distribution of urban green spaces. High, Medium and Low Residential Clusters are not experiencing deprivation. Medium Residential Cluster is found to be enjoying the highest green space extent amounting to 222 hectares. Very low Residential Cluster is the most deprived cluster with just 8.6 hectares of green spaces. Based on the findings of this research, it is found that majority of the people living within the metropolis are exposed to risks associated with lack of green spaces. It is recommended that Kano Metropolitan Development Authority should establish greenery at different places within the deprived clusters in order to ensure spatial justice in the distribution of urban green spaces.