ANALYSIS OF OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES OF URBAN INFORMAL ENTERPRISES AND ITS ENVIRONMENT IMPACTS IN IBADAN, NIGERIA

The empirical information on operational characteristics of urban informal enterprises is presented in this p aper. Using systematic sampling technique, a total number of three thousand, four hundred and forty four (3444) questionnaires were administered to the operators and residents around areas where informal enterprises are carried out. An interval of 2 was used to select operators of UIEs in shops sited on both sides of the streets and residential unit that falls within low medium and high residential quarters. The operational characteristics of UIEs, especially its capital outlay, reveal that a larger proportion (36.0%) started with low capital of around N50000. However, about 2% invested up to N1 -1.2million as initial capital. The ownership structure as shown in the analysis reveals that majority are owned b y individuals (84.1%) while some are jointly owned (6.2%). The opinion of residents on procedures involved in urban informal enterprises and its effect on socio cultural environment reveals that use of generators and heavy machine that generate high level of noise was strongly perceived to have impact on residents (RAI 3.73). The next perceived is use of strong harmful chemicals (RAI 3.71) and use of inflammable fuel during operation was also perceived strongly to cause negative impacts like fire hazard most especially when it is not properly handled. The paper concludes that operational procedures of UIEs should be monitored by appropriate agency at the grassroots to forestall any impending danger both on inhabitant and environment.