Examination of Heritage Conservation Challenges in Old Kano City

Old Kano City, a UNESCO tentative World Heritage Site, represents one of Nigeria's most significant concentrations of historical urban fabric, yet its built heritage faces escalating threats from uncontrolled modernization, population pressure, and inadequate conservation management. This study examines the major challenges confronting heritage conservation efforts in Old Kano City, with particular focus on the Birni area and its surviving traditional architecture, walls, and public spaces. A descriptive case study design was adopted, combining systematic physical surveys of heritage structures in three selected quarters with interviews of 150 residents and 10 cultural heritage officials from the Kano State History and Culture Bureau, National Commission for Museums and Monuments, and Kano Municipal Local Government Area. Physical assessments documented the condition of earthen architecture, compound house structures, and historic landmarks. Secondary data on heritage inventories and conservation policy documents were reviewed. Findings are expected to document rapid loss of heritage structures to demolition for modern concrete construction, the absence of incentives for heritage-conscious property owners, limited technical capacity for earthen heritage restoration, and low community awareness of heritage significance. The study examines the role of international conservation frameworks in shaping local policy responses. Recommendations include establishment of a heritage conservation incentive fund, mandatory heritage impact assessments for development in designated zones, earthen construction skills training programs, and community heritage education initiatives. Keywords: Heritage conservation, Old Kano City, Built heritage, Cultural planning, Urban conservation.