SPATIAL INEQUALITY IN DEVELOPMENT

(A CASE STUDY OF ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA)

By

Obu J. I, Obienusi E. A, Ozoemene M. L, and Iwu E. O.

Presented To

Department of Geography and Meteorology

KEYWORDS: Spatial Inequality, Development, Community, Social Justice, Nigeria

Background to the Study:
Spatial inequality is typically thought of as a construct arising out of variations in economic endowments, geography and socio-political structure (Adefila, 2012). The imbalance in terms of spatial distribution of essential goods and services is widely recognized in Nigeria. The phenomenon of inequality is epitomized in the use of terms as â€�“developedâ€Â� ‘underdeveloped’, ‘advantaged’ and disadvantaged to described places  that are comparatively better or lagging behind in certain socio-economic benefits.
Statement of Problem
Admittedly, spatial inequality exists almost everywhere irrespective of level of development or ideological disposition. It is present in the developed countries where it has long been a focus of public policies (Smith, 1979). However, inequality is very common in the developing countries (Renkow, 2006). In these countries, there are diverse forms of inequality, but the
imbalance in development among different spatial units in the same country is more striking and serious. Although the developing countries were late to recognize the defects of regional imbalance, most of them are now implementing several policies directed at achieving balanced development in their space economies. 
In Nigeria, for example, official concern about inequality abounds in the pages of policy papers. For instance, it is declared in the Third National Development Plan (1975-1980) that: A situation where some parts of a country are experiencing rapid economic growth while other parts are lagging behind can no longer be tolerated. (Nigeria, 1975)
Since 1970s, part of the broad national objectives contained in the National Development Plans are â€�“to establish the country firmly as a just and egalitarian societyâ€Â� and to make the country â€�“a land of bright and full of opportunities for all citizensâ€Â� (Nigeria, 1970). Moreover, an integral aspect of the short term objectives designed to ensure the realization of the broad objectives mentioned above is â€�“to achieve more even distribution of income and balanced developmentâ€Â�. In addition, social and distributive equity is one of the three fundamental objectives under the general policy measures toward which the development policy is directed. 
Apart from the government policy actions, it could be observed that Anambra State citizens too have some awareness of spatial inequalities. They are reacting to the phenomena in several ways. Incessant demand for creation of more Local Government Areas and more autonomous communities, are some of the reactions of the people.
 Among other things, the consequence of all these social problems is political instability. Without political stability, economic progress is difficult to achieve. This is because an appropriate climate is not created for local and foreign investors.
     
Aim and Objectives
The aim of this study is to examine the pattern of inequality in levels of socio - economic development among different local government areas of Anambra state. The specific Objectives of the study are as follows

1.     To identify the spatial patterns of inequalities in level of socio â€"economic development in Anambra state.
 2. To investigate the spatial pattern of inequality in the state by identifying objectively, the specific privileged areas and the specific deprived areas.

Research Hypotheses
The major hypotheses set out to be tested in the study are as follows:

1. There is no significant difference in the distribution of the facilities for socioeconomic development over space in  Anambra State.
2. There is no significant privileged or deprived area in the study areas.
Area of Study 

The study area is Anambra State. Anambra State is a state in south- eastern Nigeria. Anambra is the eight most populated state in the Federal Republic of  Nigeria and the second most density populated state in Nigeria after Lagos state (N.P.C, 2006). The stretch of more than 45km between Oba and Amorka contains a cluster of numerous thickly populated villages and small towns giving the area an estimated average density of 1,500 â€" 2,000 persons per square kilometer (UN- Habitat.2009).