Mapping the margins: uncovering street children’s spatial footprint with location quotients

Given the limitations of current analytical techniques to efficiently and effectively analyse areas of relative concentration or specialization in the spatial dynamics of street children, this study explores the potential of adapting the Location Quotient (LQ) technique to analyse the spatial distribution of street children. Traditionally utilized in regional economics and planning, the versatility of LQs has been demonstrated across diverse fields such as crime analysis, education, healthcare planning, retail analysis, and tourism management, illustrating their role in informing decision-making and policy development. In the context of street children studies, this study provides practical guidelines for conducting spatial analysis using LQs, covering steps from defining the study area to communicating results to stakeholders. By applying Location Quotients of Street Children (LQSC), the study analyzes street child data in urban areas, revealing insights into spatial distribution, specialization, and diversification across cities such as Ibadan, Akure, and Osogbo in Southwest Nigeria. Significant findings highlight the influence of urban spatial configurations, patterns of land use, and variations in residential densities on the spatial distribution of street children. Additionally, the study underscores the analytical importance of LQSC in pinpointing hotspots, comprehending dynamics of specialization, tailoring interventions, optimizing resource allocation, and guiding evidence-based policymaking and interventions to tackle the multifaceted issues concerning street children.