Assessment of Urban Forestry Contributions to Environmental Sustainability in Nigeria

International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI) | Volume VII, Issue VII, July 2020 | ISSN 2321–2705

Assessment of Urban Forestry Contributions to Environmental Sustainability in Nigeria

Adesokan F.B., Ajekigbe J.M., Onifade A.O.
Department of Susutainable Forest Management, Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, P.M.B. 5054, Jericho Hills, Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract: – In developing countries like Nigeria, many of today’s urban poor were yesterday’s rural poor. Among other immediate basic needs, they bring to the cities with them, are fuel wood, low-cost construction materials and other wood products, easily accessible and affordable food and an adequate supply of clean drinking water and water for household use. Not only must their need and those of the people already living there be considered, but also how to fulfill those needs while maintaining or improving the urban environment. Urban forestry offers various potential benefits, including providing the urban poor with some forestry products mitigating the ecological effects of urban sprawl, and improving the living environment in urban areas. The paper therefore affirms that strategy for realizing these benefits have to be developed and planning of urban forestry initiatives should be integrated into the overall urban planning, technical, financial, human, and institutional requirements. The paper finally advocates for the need to encourage public, private partnership for a sustainable urban forest.

Keywords: Urban Forestry, Potentials, Urban Poor, Rural Poor

I. INTRODUCTION

Urban forestry is not a new concept, but it is one which appears to have growing potential. This is particularly true in Nigeria, where urbanization is geometrically on the increase with a demographic switch from rural to urban society. Although United Nations (UN) (1991) figures indicate that, in 1990 only 37% of the total population of developing countries was urbanized, it is predicted that by the year 2025 the proportion will be 61%. Already rapid and uncontrolled urbanization in Nigeria is having fundamental social and environmental consequences. The role of urban forestry in ameliorating this situation might, at first appear to be small but with significant environmental and material benefits to towns and cities of the country on the long run. Yet urban forestry may provide Third World town and city dwellers with significant environmental and material benefits. The paper outlines the current state of knowledge about urban forestry and the potential for future actions in Nigeria.

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