An Assessment of the Spatial Distribution of Infrastructural Facilities in the Northern Senatorial District of Taraba State, Nigeria

Abstract:

The distribution and location of infrastructural facilities are important indicators of government involvement and democratic accountability dividends throughout developing rural areas. This study assessed the spatial distribution of infrastructural facilities in the Northern Senatorial District of Taraba State. Utilising the Growth Pole theory and the exploratory research design, the study adopted the quantitative and qualitative methods comprising of questionnaire administration, interviews, and observations and the handheld GPS device to get coordinates for ArcGIS spatial analysis to carry out the study in three local government areas (Ardo Kola, Lau, and Zing LGAs) purposefully selected from the district. The Krejcie and Morgan determining sample size statistics were used to generate a study sample of 384 from a projected population of 415,100 in the three local government areas. The study found that even though the infrastructural facilities have yielded positive development in the areas, they are located based on government projected interests. It concludes that infrastructural facilities should be dispersed fairly to benefit the general public, particularly in areas in desperate need. It is also suggested that the government should support host communities' efforts to maintain public facilities.