Trends, Taxonomy and the Future of Housing Research in Ghana: A Bibliometric–Thematic Study

Abstract

Robust research in housing is a critical component to addressing the many housing challenges most developing cities face. In this study, we provide a comprehensive account of the evolving housing literature in Ghana based on an analysis of journal articles published in 19 top-tier housing, urban and real estate journals using bibliometric and thematic analyses. Of the 114 articles published in 1990–2019, this study shows that the literature is simultaneously increasing and diversifying. From 2011 onwards, research output grew by 6% on average. Studies on gated communities, mortgages, valuation, and homeownership are emerging. Both the keyword co-occurrence analysis and thematic analysis show a large share of the literature is related to topics on land markets and regulations and low-income housing conditions. Surprisingly, most contributors to the literature are at organisations outside of Ghana, and this has implications for policy formulation and implementation. We conclude with an outlook of potential extensions of the existing literature and “new” research areas.

Keywords:

• Bibliometrics
• Ghana, Housing themes
• Housing research topics
• Land markets
• Research trends

Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge useful comments received from Prof. Piyush Tiwari and Dr Andrews Martel at the Melbourne School of Design, The University of Melbourne.

Notes

1 The extreme poverty line is GH¢792.05 (approx. 137 US$) per adult equivalent per year (Ghana Statistical Service, 2018)

2 Since implementation, the project has had severed several setbacks. As at February 2020, the first 1,079 housing units were ready for sale in Kumasi. See; https://www.pulse.com.gh/news/local/1-bedroom-affordable-houses-in-kumasi-to-sell-at-ghc99000-housing-ministry/slgzf36