Sustainable Urban Forestry in Nigerian Built Environments
A. C. C. Ezeabasili *
School of the Built Environment, Herriot Watt University, England, United Kingdom.
I. E. Iloghalu
Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Nigeria.
B. U. Okoro
Department of Civil Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria.
I. F. Manafa
Department of Education Foundations, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Vegetation in cities and suburbs are important in making built environments more livable, economically and ecologically more sustainable. Urban forestry benefits include erosion control, flood control, fruits and some fuel wood supply. Urban forests play several roles such as relaxation, recreation, physical and psychological comfort for the public. Very importantly the type of trees planted varies with ecological zones and cultural values. Urban forest development in Nigeria is presently been threatened due to rapid urban population growth, human activities, limited land area and poor implementation of government policies. This research work was carried out to evaluate the spatial distribution of urban trees in Awka, Anambra state, Nigeria. Documented observations will aid in creating awareness of the importance of urban forest to the general public. A sustainable urban forest development and forest management techniques that accommodate human, social, political, cultural and economic factors remains imperative.
Keywords: Sustainability, forestry, human activities, government policies.