International Journal of Research and Innovation in Applied Science (IJRIAS) |Volume VIII, Issue II, February 2023|ISSN 2454-6194
Landscape Perception of Urban Greenery in Residential Areas in Enugu Metropolis
VOkoyeh, I. I.1, Efobi, K. O.2, Irouke, V. M.1, Odoanyanwu, N. M.1
1Department of Architecture, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
2Department of Urban and Regional Planning, University of Nigeria, Enugu, Nigeria
Received: 24 January 2023; Revised: 09 February 2023; Accepted: 13 February 2023; Published: 14 March 2023
Abstract: Landscape perception in urban greenery focuses on how people perceive and evaluate spaces and these perception relates to benefits experienced. Natural landscapes are perceived as more visually appealing, more calming and restorative, and more conducive to relaxation and leisure activities. The contrasting urban greenery of Enugu metropolis is a result of complex interplay of residential area densities and social systems and continues to be depleted. This study aimed at assessing landscape perception in urban greenery in residential areas in Enugu metropolis as categorised into high, medium and low densities. This was achieved by determining how local residents value urban greenery and examining local residents preference of urban greenery as a development initiative. A total of 389 respondents in all three densities were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. The results showed that urban greenery received higher residents’ prioritization ranking in low density areas than in medium and high densities. Notwithstanding, most of the surveyed respondents 84% knew of the benefits of trees while 11% thinks it is of no value and as low as 5% are ignorant of it’s benefits. The study recommends that indiscriminate falling of trees by the Enugu Electricity Distribution company should be checkmated, the few available open spaces in high density areas should be procured for afforestation, baseline data on urban greenery at community level should be captured.
Keywords: Urban greenery, Landscape perception, Landscape value
I. Introduction
In recent times, the natural landscape is constantly diminishing and agricultural land use changes are increasing as a result of industrialization, global trade development, improved utilities and infrastructure, and a rapidly advancing process of urbanisation (Mottet et al., 2006). A lot of literature has concentrated on society’s visual preferences for different landscapes. Some research specially discussed people’s preferences for wild (natural) contrasting managed landscape and the related influential factors. Research on landscape perception in urban green spaces has focused on understanding how people perceive and evaluate these spaces, and how these perceptions and evaluations are related to the benefits that are experienced. Özgüner and Kendle (2006) examined the public perception on naturalism in contrast to more formally designed urban green spaces; and they compared the experienced values and sensory benefits of the two landscape styles and respondents’ preferences for them. Van den Berg and Koole (2006) found that the variables of place of residence, age, socio-economic status, farming background, preference for green political parties and recreational motives were correlated with relative preferences for wild versus managed nature scenes.