SPATIAL ASSESSMENT OF QUALITY OF LIFE OF URBAN SLUM DWELLERS AND THE ASSOCIATION WITH URBAN RENEWAL PROGRAMMES IN CALABAR SOUTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, CROSS RIVER STATE, NIGERIA

Rapid urbanisation in Nigerian cities has expanded the number and spatial extent of informal settlements, yet the quality-of-life implications of neighbourhood deprivation and the practical influence of urban renewal remain insufficiently documented at ward level. This study assessed the spatial distribution of slum conditions, examined their relationship with residents' quality of life, evaluated the association between urban renewal programmes and neighbourhood improvement, and identified priority intervention areas in Calabar South Local Government Area, Cross River State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional descriptive and correlational survey design was integrated with geographic information system analysis. A structured questionnaire was administered to 400 adult residents selected through a multistage procedure across the 12 wards and 14 slum settlements; 396 valid questionnaires were analysed, representing a 99% response rate. Field observation and global positioning system records supported spatial mapping. The instrument achieved a Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficient of 0.84. Descriptive statistics, Pearson product-moment correlation and QGIS-based mapping were used. The results showed that 58.3% of respondents were male, 62.6% were aged 26–45 years, and 64.1% earned below ₦50,000 monthly. The Slum Condition Index indicated very poor conditions in Anantigha (1.82) and Watt Market (1.95), poor conditions in Atamunu (2.14) and Uwanse (2.30), and comparatively good conditions in Orok Orok (3.45). Slum conditions were significantly associated with quality of life (r = 0.407, p < 0.01, N = 396), while urban renewal programmes had a significant but weaker association with improvement in slum conditions (r = 0.317, p < 0.01, N = 396). The spatial evidence identifies Anantigha, Watt Market and Atamunu as priority areas. The study recommends participatory in-situ upgrading, drainage and sanitation investment, affordable-housing support, livelihood protection, culture-sensitive public-space renewal and a continuously updated GIS monitoring system.