AVAILABILITY AND UTILIZATION OF INDIGENOUS MATERIALS FOR SUSTAINABLE BUILDING CONSTRUCTION IN AKURE, ONDO STATE, NIGERIA

Purpose: This study examined the availability and utilization of local material resources for sustainable building construction project in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. It analysed how locally sourced materials contribute to sustainable building construction practices by identifying commonly available material resources, evaluating their reliability, and comparing findings with global standards.

Design/Methodology/approach: A descriptive survey research design was adopted. Primary data were collected using 195 structured questionnaires administered to construction professionals across contracting firms, consultancy firms, and government agencies in Akure. Out of 195 questionnaires distributed, 170 valid responses were retrieved and analysed using descriptive statistics including mean ranking, frequencies, and percentages.

Findings: The findings revealed that timber (Mean=3.85), bamboo (Mean=3.82), laterite (Mean=3.80), and recycled plastic bottles (Mean=3.77) were the most readily available local materials for sustainable building construction in Akure. Materials such as thatch (Mean=2.82), palm kernel shell (Mean=2.61), and coconut shell (Mean=2.56) were found to be moderately available. Agricultural residues such as groundnut shell (Mean=2.14), maize stalk (Mean=2.12), and cotton stalk (Mean=2.01) were reported to be rarely available due to poor supply chains and low production.

Research limitations/implications: The research was geographically limited to Akure, which may restrict the generalizability of the findings to other regions with different material availability, construction practices, and socio-economic conditions. In addition, the study relied primarily on available empirical data and stakeholder responses, which may not fully capture seasonal variations in indigenous material availability or the technical performance characteristics of some agricultural residues.

Originality/value: The study provided valuable empirical insight into the availability of local materials for sustainable construction in Akure. It offered a unique ranking of local materials and exposes the gaps in material utilization, especially regarding agricultural residues. By comparing local findings with global literature, the study contributed significantly to understanding how Nigeria can strengthen its sustainable construction practices through local material innovation. The results are valuable to policymakers, construction firms, researchers, and sustainability practitioners seeking to enhance local material integration in the built environment.