Author(s): N. AKHTAR

Abstract: Peri urban zones arernareas capable of promoting urban and rural livelihoods and coping with thernpressure and dynamics of population and land use changes. This study examinedrnthe drivers of growth, characteristics and environmental challenges of the perirnurban zones in Benin city, Nigeria using Ekiadolor as a case study.  30 per cent of the total number of buildingrnstock in the area was chosen as sample size. For the survey, one household perrnbuilding was selected while a head of household was selected for interview.rnAttributes investigated included reasons for staying in the community, lengthrnof stay, infrastructures and land related issues among others. Characteristicsrnof a typical peri-urban community were well amplified in Ekiadolor.Thernestablishment of the College of Education was the major driver for therntransformation of Ekiadolor to a peri-urban settlement. The study concludedrnthat the establishment of educational institutions outside the immediaternprecinct of cities could trigger peri – urbanization and therefore recommendsrnthat adequate provision should be made in anticipation of the envisagedrnchallenges that are associated with such development.

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