Geodemographic classification systems for the developing world : the case of Nigeria and the Philippines.

Since the emergence of modern day geodemographics, population geography has
witnessed a renaissance in the area of policy related spatial analysis. These classifications
group areas on the basis of similarity into cluster units which define their demographic and
social characteristics. The methods used to create these systems combine geographic
thought and theory with statistical manipulations of multivariate data.
There is currently paucity in the development and use of geodemographic systems in
developing countries due to multiple related factors particularly data availability and
access.
This thesis argues that the developing world has a lot to benefit from geodemographic
systems especially in areas of public policy making. The aim of the thesis is to provide a
comprehensive description of the decisions made during the creation of two area
segmentation systems - one for Nigeria and the other for the Philippines. The systems are
accompanied by detailed user guides with visuals and pen portraits
In addition to developing the two systems, examples of how the systems can be used to
inform policy are presented in the areas of education, gender parity and maternal and child
health care.
It is hoped that the creation of these systems will mark the beginning of a long awaited
proliferation of geodemographic systems to developing countries.