Residents' attitudes towards tree care programs in cityscapes

Abstract

Purpose: Examine residents’ attitude towards urban trees from the perspective of funding or voluntarily contributing time for tree care programs. Majority of global populace live in cities, hence, the rise in public expectations for liveable, sustainable and greener communities and urban areas all over the world, Nigeria inclusive. With proper planning and management, cities may become more liveable, but the rapid loss of large urban green areas cause havoc, and has ushered in several problems such as adverse climatic condition, reduced water and air quality, amongst others. Metodology: A questionnaire survey was conducted to understand how residents rank and rate the benefits of urban trees as well as individual willingness to support conservation initiatives, using Benin metropolis, Nigeria as a case study. Findings: Using binary logit analysis, the study identified that residents who are aware of ecosystem services, had a profession and have spent at least 20 years in the city, had a significant relationship with personal willingness to volunteer time and/or donate money toward urban tree care programs and activities. Contribution to knowledge: Provided quantitative information to demonstrate the importance of conserving trees in development projects towards Global SDGs.