Analysis of image differences of roadside corridor and landscape preference in an emerging city in Nigeria

This study examined the barrenness and clustered commercial activities along the rural-urban fringe of an emerging city (Lokoja, Nigeria) and tried to establish the inhabitant's preferred development pattern for road corridors at the fringe of the city. Questionnaire and photographs were utilized as research instruments for this study. Two roads: Abuja-Lokoja road (Nataco area) and the Lokoja-Kabba road towards the Kabba junction area were purposively selected for the study, and 204 copies of a questionnaire were randomly administered and 184 duly completed copies analyzed. Photographs were used as a surrogate to assess people’s perception of the environment. Thirty (30) photographs taken within 10km stretch were used. Six of the photographs served as “base” images and the remaining 24 as composite images of computer simulation and pictures adapted from similar research as an ideal situation. Five points Likert scale was used to measure respondent’s preference. Principal component analysis (PCA) was employed to analyse the participants’ responses to the questionnaire. The results revealed a high preference for an improved design with nature incorporated in developing commercial strip along the highway and low preference for existing billboard and haphazard development of the base images presented. It also revealed that design of roadways and commercial strip developments at the fringe could also have health implications. The paper suggests that trees and nature plants, in particular, should be used to improve visual quality and reduce Co2 in the Atmosphere through carbon sequestration. Keywords: Rural–urban fringe; Landscape preferences; Commercial development; Road corridors; Highway desig