Evaluation of Bamboo as an Eco-Friendly Construction Material for Cost-Effective Housing in Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

This study assesses the feasibility of bamboo as a sustainable construction material for affordable housing in Nigeria, emphasising its structural, economic, and environmental attributes. The research was motivated by the ongoing housing shortage and the escalating expenses of traditional construction materials like concrete and steel. A descriptive survey design was utilised to gather data from stakeholders in the construction sector in Abuja, comprising architects, engineers, contractors, developers, and citizens. Four hundred respondents were chosen through a stratified random sampling method to provide sufficient representation among professional and user groups. Data were collected via structured questionnaires and analysed employing descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. The results indicated that bamboo exhibits robust mechanical qualities and offers considerable benefits for cost-effectiveness, renewability, and ecological sustainability. Notwithstanding these advantages, its application in the Nigerian building sector is constrained by problems like substandard preservation procedures, insufficient technical proficiency, absence of standardisation, and low public awareness. The study indicates that bamboo possesses significant promise as an alternative material for sustainable and cost-effective housing when adequately treated and included into construction regulations. It advocates for collaboration among government agencies, professional organisations, and research institutes to formulate national standards for bamboo building, invest in treatment technologies, and implement awareness campaigns to endorse bamboo as a sustainable construction material.