Evaluation of the Prospects and Challenges of Benue Locally Produced Burnt Bricks for Housing Construction

Abstract

The housing deficit in Nigeria, driven by the scarcity and high cost of conventional building materials, presents a significant challenge to affordable housing development. To address this issue, the use of locally produced burnt bricks an alternative to conventional building materials currently in use has been proposed as a cost-effective and durable solution. This study aims to evaluate the prospects and challenges of adopting locally manufactured burnt bricks in Benue State, Nigeria. The specific objectives are to assess public acceptance of the material for housing construction, examine user perceptions of its performance, identify barriers to its widespread use, and recommend strategies to increase awareness and encourage stakeholder adoption. A structured questionnaire was administered, and data were analyzed using mean score analysis. The results show that 84% of respondents are familiar with locally manufactured burnt bricks and are willing to use them due to their perceived durability and availability. The material was regarded positively for its strength, fire resistance, and resistance to water ingress. However, significant barriers to the use of the material include challenges in mass production, social acceptability, and the absence of regulating standards. The study concludes that locally produced burnt bricks offer a promising solution to Nigeria's housing challenge. To promote wider adoption, it is recommended that public awareness be raised through media demonstrations and policy support to standardise production processes.