Sources and Procedure for Data Collection.

Secondary and primary sources enabled the researcher collect relevant data needed to address the research question, and in the process foster the empirical validation of the theoretical hypothesis raised in order to achieve the aims and objectives of the study. Particularly, secondary data were obtained from journal articles and online library sources. Other sources include; publications by unilateral and multilateral organizations such as the United Nations Organisation, Common Wealth Association of Architects, International Union of Architects and International Society of Country and Regional Planners. Also publications of Abuja Federal Capital Development Authority, Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, Nigerian Institute of Architects, African Union of Architects, Nigerian Urban Forum, and the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development. News Papers and Magazine were also sourced to gain more information needed to answer the research questions by gauging the views of other commentators.

The primary data used for this research are obtained through questionnaire survey and interviews including pictorial evidences that are physically collected by the researcher. As indicated earlier, a sample frame was used to ensure that the number of questionnaires conducted amongst each segment of stake holders show that every member of the population sample has equal chance of being surveyed. Underpinned by the number of questionnaires sent to each segment stakeholders, a random selection of representatives within each segment was selected to ensure that the data collected is truly representative of the total sample size within each segment, thereby avoiding any data bias. A case study technique was employed to gather detailed information about existing Sustainably Designed Communities as well as the implementation of such designs in Abuja, Nigeria. The Physical Environment Professionals in all the six Area councils were reached during this exercise. Interviews was conducted differently using snow-balling technique, which is a method where a participant recommends another participant until the target sample size is met (Goodman, 1961; Heckathorn, 2002), This technique is chosen because of the inability of the researcher to identify all the key players in the Design and Implementation/development of the Federal Capital master plan and the Territory at large without relying on the few known contacts who are still active in the development of Abuja today.

4.7.1 Questionnaire Design and Administration

Two sets of questionnaires designed to ascertain the extent to which Abuja is a City of sustainable communities targeted at residents and built environment practitioners are adapted largely from the questionnaires designed by UNESCO’s manual for teaching and learning for a sustainable future – module 17 on sustainable communities (UNESCO, 1997), The Egan Report on Sustainable Communities (Egan, 2004). The UNESCO questionnaire has been adapted and applied in determining the characteristics of sustainable communities and principles of sustainable development across many global cities, hence it was adapted for use in this study.

The researcher administered some of the questionnaires personally, while six trained research assistants, five males and one female, who were closely monitored by the researcher, between the months of March and June 2015, administered some. The research assistants are professionals in the built-environment and were trained for two days on the methodology adopted and thereafter, piloted the test. Each research assistant was detailed to administer questionnaires per Area Council and the researcher coordinated all affairs in all the six Area 106

Council during visitations. To ensure thoroughness, respondents were asked to complete the questionnaire, and only being assisted in the case of personal disability or illiteracy. All participants were given the same questionnaires in all the Area Councils from which the participants ticked answers as well as state their views/comments as the questions demands, and as thought to be most appropriate.

Two months was initially scheduled for both the administration and collation of the questionnaires sent out. However, it took an additional month to be able to achieve the milestone, due to unforeseen challenges stated in subsequent reporting. However, Gwagwalada and Abaji Area Councils returned the completed questionnaires within two weeks probably due to the determination and interest on the subject matter exhibited by the research assistants deployed to these Area Councils. Questionnaires administered at government offices were more difficult to collate than those administered to other segments such as unemployed, self-employed and students. This is because of restricted access to offices during official working hours.

4.7.2 Response Rate

A total of 175 questionnaires were administered to various respondents of which 140 were returned, accounting for 93.3% response rate. It was felt that the high response rate could be attributed to three reasons. Firstly, the interest shown by most of the respondents on the subject matter despite the tensed electioneering campaigns going on at the time, secondly, the approached used in administering the questionnaires whereby engaging research assistants that are knowledgeable in the subject matter as well as good administrative knowledge of the Area Council, covered by each and thirdly, the team work and commitment of the researcher and the assistants.

The questionnaires were administered within the six Area Councils that constitute the communities of the Federal Capital Territory; that includes Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Abaji Area Council, Bwari Area Council, Gwagwalada Area Council, Kwali Area Council and Kuje Area Council.

Table 4.7.2 QUESTIONNAIRES ADMINISTRATION F.C.T