ABSTRACT
The study set out to analyse the poverty profile of Zaria Urban Area with application input for urban management. This is a departure from the conventional approaches that have broad focus and lack direct utility for urban managers. To address these shortcomings, amongst other considerations, was the use of the Basic Needs Approach to the study. This enables the isolation of neighbourhood's socio-spatial needs which have direct bearing to urban management. Data for the study was sourced from both primary and secondary sources. The primary data was obtained through general household survey by administration of questionnaires and personal interviews. The approach to the analysis was by the use of absolute and relative measures. The absolute measure adopted was the Head Count Ratio and the Relative used is the Fuzzy Set Technique. Scores obtained the profiling were used to rank districts according to poverty levels. The findings of the study show that poverty varies by districts in Zaria Urban Area. By general ranking, using aggregate Basic Needs data, the GRA exhibited minimal poverty relative to other Districts. It enjoys better access to utility and services and has better housing condition and infrastructure. Income level is also higher. Second in the ranking is Tudun Wada, then Samaru, Sabon Gari and Zaria City. The data obtained was also dis-aggregated by each indicator across districts. This objective is to show ranking and also permit the identification of specific urban management interventions for the 5 Districts. In the study, Zaria City was shown to have the worst housing situation and the lowest income. Samaru District had the worst situation and water supply, with GRA with public school provision. Based on the result obtained, specific and general recommendations were made on how the shortcomings of each District can be addressed. Specific recommendations were made aimed at addressing specific findings in each District.