Sustainable Housing Development in Africa: Nigerian Perspective

Abstract

The subject, 'Sustainable development' is relevant and applicable in all areas of development and management. Its grand characteristics are its abilities to enhance, protect as well as sustain growth in all ramification. This paper aims at defining sustainability or sustainable development by emphasizing the importance and implications of cultural values, which is believed to be a source of a sustainable development, by positioning 'cultural values' as a critical key to sustainable development in Africa. It seeks to promote the blend of low-cost indigenous practices and high technology of the contemporary building practices (trado-modern approach) for mass housing development for low income earners. In order address the ever growing concern of housing poverty, it is a vital necessity to review cultural legacies embedded in society. Sustainable strategies which dictate a new direction in this mainstream will bring a positive impact on the environmental, social and economic systems. The paper reviews literature on African developments in relation to low-income mass housing provision in Nigeria. It is relevant in sustainability in its emphasis on adherence to cultural values which is believed to be a pillar for sustaining any development. The paper is a developmental discourse on Nigerian perspective with an overview of Sub-Saharan Africa for low-cost (affordable) mass housing development. Key word: Africa; Nigeria; culture; Indigenous architecture; Sustainable development