ASSESSING THE SUSTAINABLE HOUSING OUTCOMES OF URBAN ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT IN A CIRCULAR ECONOMY: A MIXED METHODS HOUSEHOLD STUDY IN LAPAI, NIGERIA

Abstract

Rapid urbanisation in secondary cities of developing countries is heightening challenges related to housing quality, environmental degradation, and inefficient resource use. This study assessed the sustainable housing outcomes of urban environmental management within a circular economy framework, focusing on households in Lapai, Niger State, Nigeria. Anchoring on SDG 11 (sustainable cities and communities) and SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production), the study adopted a mixed-methods research design. Quantitative data were collected through a structured household survey administered to about 300 residential units, while qualitative insights were obtained from key informant interviews with urban planners, environmental health officers, and community representatives. Descriptive statistics and multivariate regression analysis were used to examine the influence of urban environmental management practices such as waste management, water and sanitation services and neighbourhood environmental maintenance on sustainable housing indicators including habitability, environmental quality, and resource efficiency. Qualitative data were analysed thematically to enrich the interpretation of household experiences and institutional practices. The findings indicated that waste management, access to improved water and sanitation, and regular neighbourhood environmental maintenance have a significant positive effect on sustainable housing outcomes in Lapai. It also revealed that there is a low level of public awareness in the adoption of circular economy practices at the household level, particularly material reuse, waste management, and energy conservation due to key constraints such as weak institutional capacity and inadequate enforcement of environmental regulations. The study concludes that there should be the strengthening of urban environmental governance and mainstreaming circular economy principles into household practices to enhance sustainable housing outcomes in Lapai. The findings provide policy-relevant evidence to support local implementation of SDGs 11 and 12, while also contributing to SDG 13 (climate action) through improved urban resource efficiency and environmental management