RESIDENTS' SATISFACTION WITH FARM SETTLEMENTS' FACILITIES IN OYO STATE, NIGERIA

In recent times, designated settlements aimed at sustainable development and strategic regional economic growt have received the least architectural research attention. Against the background of failing regional development, this study assessed the satisfaction level of residents with farm settlements facilities in Oyo State, Nigeria. The bulk of the data was obtained through primary means. A questionnaire was administered to 310 residents across 4 (Ijaiye, Ipapo/Iseyin, Ilora and Ogbomoso) purposively selected farm settlements, using multistage sampling technique. Simple descriptive statistics were used to present the data. Scaling reminiscent of 5-level Likert Scaling was used to summarize the ordinal data, making them adaptable to compositing and parametric testing. The study concluded that all the residents of the sampled farm settlements were not satisfied with the 29 listed basic facilities in their settlements. For instance, of the 600 scorable points on any facility adequacy measurement, there was scarcely any settlement where the scaled rating reached 300 (50% adequate). Ogbomoso farm settlement has a relatively higher ranking for primary health care (178), borehole water (145), and electricity (127) despite its poor state. Ipapo/Iseyin has the poorest ratings, except in primary school (n=109). Regarding health care facilities, Ogbomoso scored 178, Ilora (92), Iseyin (3), and Ijaye (0). The overall unsatisfactory satisfaction of settlers with facilities in farm settlements indicates that these settlements are falling short of their intended developmental objectives. Renewed government’s commitment to continuous infrastructural upgrading is needed to revitalize farm settlements and enhance their contribution to agricultural growth and food security in Nigeria.