Spatial Distribution of Service Facilities in Rural Areas of Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the spatial distribution of service facilities in Nkanu West Local Government Area (LGA) of Enugu State, Nigeria in order to; identify the available kinds of service facilities, the factors of their distribution, and the benefits of the available service facilities in the area. In carrying out this study, both purposive sampling and simple random sampling techniques were used, and data were obtained through questionnaire, guided interview, and field observations. In the analysis of data, the techniques used were descriptive statistics, Nearest Neighbour Index (NNI), bar graph, and percentages. This study found that health facilities, and school especially primary and secondary schools are the most available kinds of service facilities in Nkanu LGA, and tertiary school, postal services and council headquarter are the least of the service facilities in the area. Easy accessibility, government involvement, and availability of fund were found to be the most important factors in the establishment of service facilities in the study area. However, health education was found to be the least factor in the establishment of service facilities in the area. The benefits of employment opportunities, easy accessibility, and integration in the provision of service facilities by private, local, state, and Federal government ranked highest. The nearest neighbour index analysis using GIS reveals clustered distribution of service facilities in the study area, which implies that the available service facilities are well distributed and within the easy reach of the populace in the area. It is therefore recommended for provision of tertiary institutions, sub-offices of the council headquarter, and public security services especially in the communities of Akpugo, Amuri, AkegbeUgwu, and Amodu of the LGA.