Natural Remedies for Urban Maladies: The Green Space Option
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Date
2016
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Department of Geography and Environmental Management, University of Ilorin, Ilorin
Abstract
The pace of urbanization, especially with cities in the developing world, has been negatively accompanied by series of environmental problems which if not contained, can threaten the many fabrics of urban livelihood and environment. Urbanization replaces vegetated surfaces with impervious built surfaces, therby exposing urban environment to runoff, poor air quality and noise pollution and urban heat island among others. It is against this backdrop that this study examines the power of urban green space in addressing urban environmental problems in Ibadan metropolis. The study uses primary data, which were obtained, through a random and systematic sampling of three hundred and forty four respondents in Ibadan metropolis, Nigeria. Variables used in the analysis include socioeconomic characteristics of the respondents, the types of urban green space, and benefits of urban green space as perceived by the respondents. Data collected were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between green space and their environmental benefits. Results of the regression analysis show that about 35% of variation in environmental benefit may be attributed to a magnitude increase in urban greening parts of the metropolis. The study therefore conclude that if more attention can be accorded urban green space, it can serve to reduce most of the environmental problems in the metropolis. It thus recommends the use of land development plan, the use of planning approval strategies to ensure adequate room for urban green space and sensitization campaign among others.