Population dynamics and infrastructure: meeting the millennium development goals in Ondo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Population has become an important research issue because its consideration has significant implications for change, development and quality of life in the society. Infrastructure such as water, transport, drainage and sanitation on the other hand have been recognized on the other hand as critical to ensure the quality of living and sustainable urban development in contemporary times. This paper examines the change in population growth of Ondo state with a view to determining the extent at which infrastructure in the study area has been improved on and what will be required to meet the MDGs for infrastructural development. The paper discusses the consequences of inadequate infrastructure in Ondo state as well as identifies how the MDGs targets can be achieved to reduced urban poverty in Africa. Data utilized in the study were derived systematic survey of household characteristics, indicators of accessibility to basic infrastructure in the city. Population figures were obtained from National Population Commission and distribution of regular households by main characteristics of infrastructure during the last census (2006) in Ondo State. The study showed that as typical of a Nigerian State, majority of the residents of Ondo state do not have access to basic infrastructure.