SOCIAL ECOLOGY AND GREEN SPACES OF THE IBADAN METROPOLIS, NIGERIA

Abstract

Green spaces (GS) are vegetation areas in urban landscapes, including forests, parks, gardens, wetlands and street trees. Their loss has great consequences for the aesthetic, recreational, economic and human health value and sustainability of urban environments. The literature on urban GS hasfocused on locations and effects on human well-being with limited attention to the impact of the existing social ecology (SE) on GS patterns. SE considers spatio-temporal patterns, socio-cultural variables, and underlying environmental patterns. Ibadan is Africa’s largest traditional city with a long history of GS which has reduced over the years, thus providing a suitable environment for examining SE. This study was, therefore, designed to analyse the spatio-temporal patterns of GS,relationship between SE and GS, the perception on greening culture and government greening interventions in the Ibadan metropolis.

The concept of Social Ecology guided the study, while a survey research method was adopted. Cloud free Landsat Imageries (LI) of 1972, 1984, 2000 and 2015 were obtained from www.Glovis.com. Normalised Difference Vegetation Index threshold of 0.2-0.8 was used in identifying GS from the processed LI. The Oyo State map sourced from the State Valuation Department was superimposed on the LI to identify a total of 104 localities. The stratified proportional sampling technique was used to categorise the localities into four population range groups using sample percentages – A: 0.1%, B: 0.2%, C: 0.4% and D: 0.8%. The systematic technique was used to draw a total sample of 3,410 from the localities. Area of GS in each locality was thereafter computed for all the years. The change detection method was used to map the changes in GS, while Global Moran’s-I was used to analyse its temporal pattern. Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) was used to identify the SE predictors of GS in different localities. Analyses were done at p<0.05.

The age of residents was 33±6.01 years, and the estimated monthly income was ₦42,055±13, 934. About 46.1% had secondary education. The GS declined by -62.0%, -37.8% and -38.4% between 1972-1984, 1984-2000, and 2000-2015, respectively. In 1972 (I: 0.348091), the GS were principally clustered in Bodija, Elewura and Academy. In 1984 (I: 0.452642), 2000 (I: 0.313010) and 2015 (I: 0.229712) the GS were principally clustered around UCH, Jericho GRA, Alalubosa, Iyaganku and along Ogunpa river channels indicating unequal spatial distribution. Occupation, income and housing were the SE determinants of GS distribution (Bandwidth: 0.02: AICc: 3043.3; R2: 0.52) while SE effects were very strong in some localities in group A (Sango, Jericho, University of Ibadan) and group B (Ring road, Molete, Apata), which are the non-traditional areas of Ibadan.The major perceived cause of GS depletion in groups A, B and C is building construction and poor development control in group D. More than 64% favoured government greening intervention, but doubted their implementation competence.

The social ecology in Ibadan has resulted in uneven spatial distribution of green spaces in the city. There is a need for policy intervention to reduce the adverse loss of green spaces and consequent effect on the environment