1. 1
AN ASSESSMENT OF THE VALUES AND THREATS TO
URBAN FORESTS IN IFE-EAST LOCAL GOVERNMENT
AREA, OSUN STATE, NIGERIA
ADENIYI OLADAYO OLUSEGUN
GPY/2010/005
AN ORIGINAL ESSAY SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY,
FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES
IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE AWARD OF
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE (B.Sc. HONS) IN GEOGRAPHY, OBAFEMI
AWOLOWO UNIVERSITY ILE-IFE, OSUN STATE
MAY, 2015.
2. 2
CERTIFICATION
This is to certify that Adeniyi Oladayo Olusegun with matric no. GPY/2010/005 of the department of
Geography, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, carried out this research work.
……………………………… …………………………
Dr. O.O.I ORIMOOGUNJE Date
Project Supervisor
Department of Geography,
OAU, Ile-Ife
………………………………….. ………………………….
DR. O.I BABATIMEHIN Date
Head of Department,
Department of Geography,
OAU, Ile-Ife.
3. 3
DEDICATION
There is no one else to dedicate my life and everything that revolves round it to but God. He has been
my main stay from the beginning of this four year sojourn on OAU campus till I finally finished. I will
serve him in spirit and truth till my days on earth are complete.
4. 4
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I appreciate the efforts of Dr. O.O.I. Orimoogunje, the best supervisor ever lived, I appreciate you sir in
making my project world class, even when the situation was unfavorable and inconvenient, you
continued to guide me. Love you sir.
Most importantly, I want to appreciate the department of Geography for her purpose-filled academic
endeavors. Geography department remains a shining light in the faculty of Social Sciences. Thus, in
appreciation, I say a big thank you to the H.O.D, Dr. O.O. Babatimehin, and all the lecturers in the
department that taught me so well and so much that I would not forget forever the knowledge you
impacted in me, including, Dr. Shina Ayanlade, Dr. Wale Olayiwola, Dr. E.O Eludoyin, Dr. Olayinka
Ajala, Dr. N.O Adeoye, Dr. Olaniran Olawole, Dr. Aderemi Adediji, Dr. D.O. Baloye, Dr. O.O.I
Orimoogunje, Prof. T.O. Odekunle, Prof. Aguda, Prof. Olusegun Ekanade, Prof. F.A Adeshina, Prof.
O.O Ogunkoya. Thanks for your efforts. God will continue to bless you.
I cannot forget Mrs.J.O. Adesopo, the departmental secretary who from day one took the class of ’14 as
her children, and Mr. Yomi Babalola, my egbon in GIS laboratory.
Infinitely, I will continue to appreciate my parent, Barr. S.O.O and Mrs. O.B. Adeniyi who stood by me
throughout this journey which made them a proud parent of a Geographer. For the parental care, the
love, advice, and most importantly the unending support.
To a role model and mentor that served exceedingly well, Pharm. Kola Adeniyi, although unknowingly,
I salute you. God will continue to prosper your career, know that you will forever remain on my A-list.
Mrs. Ayoola Otuyemi nee Adeniyi, I love you, you continually exceeded my expectations. Keep up the
good work, smile at all times and God will continue to rejoice over you and your family. To my younger
brothers, Olawale and Abiola Adeniyi, always remember the love we were trained in. Blood is thicker
than water.
5. 5
In appreciation, I specially recognize the efforts of Rev (Prof.) F.J. Owotade and his family, Prof. Jide
Kufoniyi, Prof. O.O. Ogunkoya, Prof. Olusegun Ekanade. They are my fathers in OAU and will so
remain. God will elongate your days on earth in peace and joy.
I cannot but recognize the value of good friendship in the department, Omole Tunmise, Obisanya
Damilola, Olawoyin Olayemi, Akinola Opemipo, Akinonigbinde Akintomiwa, Amodu Idris, Shittan
Samuel, Okeke Ebele, Isamotu Feyikemi, Adefisayo Abigael, Ekisowe Janet, Yusuf Olabisi, Yusuf
Khadijat, and the whole ASSOS’ 14 class, you made Geography department an experience to forever
remember. I also appreciate the love from all my friends outside the department, Olonite Oluwatosin
most especially, Anyanwu Lilian, Grace, Omotola, Vivian, Damilola, Gbenga, Emmanuel. They remain
special people in my heart, I love you all. Friends are necessary in all you do, get good ones.
To all my roommates in Angola Hall (I9, G8, E3) and Awo Hall (F1), you all impacted me, no matter
how little.
Adeniyi Oladayo Olusegun
TABLE OF CONTENT
6. 6
Title Page i
Certification ii
Dedication iii
Acknowledgement iv
Table of content vi
List of figures ix
List of table x
List of plates xi
Appendix xii
Abstract xiii
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the study 1
1.2 Statement of the problem 3
1.3 Aim and Objectives 4
1.4 Justification 5
1.5 Research questions 5
1.6 Study Area 6
1.6.1 Location and size 6
1.6.2 Geology 6
1.6.3 Soil 7
1.6.4 Climate 7
1.6.5 Vegetation and Land uses 8
CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW
7. 7
2.1 Introduction 10
2.2 Definition of Urban Forests 10
2.3 Common tree types 11
2.4 Values of urban forests 12
2.5 Cultural values and symbolic importance of forests 17
2.5.1 The tree’s significance as a link to culture and belief 18
2.5.2 The symbolic and sacred significance of particular forest resources 18
2.5.3 The judicial function of trees 19
2.5.4 The use of forest products in social and cultural ceremonies 18
2.5.5 Trees as symbols of people 20
2.5.6 Trees as religious symbols 21
2.5.7 Fear of the forest 22
2.6 Threats to urban forests 23
CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 Introduction 26
3.2 Nature of data 26
3.3 Sampling procedure 26
3.4 Collection of data 27
3.5 Data analysis 27
CHAPTER FOUR: RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
4.1 Introduction 28
4.2 Results and discussions 28
4.3 Values of urban forests 30
4.4 Threats to urban forests 37
8. 8
CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Introduction 42
5.2 Summary 42
5.3 Conclusion 44
5.4 Recommendations 45
REFERENCES 46
QUESTIONNAIRE 61
LIST OF FIGURES
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Fig 1.1 Map of study area 9
Fig. 1.2 Ways in which trees improve health 32
Fig. 1.3 Emotional response towards trees 34
Fig. 1.4 Reasons for emotional attachment to trees 35
Fig. 1.5 Importance of urban trees 36
Fig. 1.6 Major threats against urban forests 37
Fig. 1.7 Reasons for intentional cutting of trees 38
Fig. 1.8 Reasons for the non-existence of game reserves 39
LIST OF TABLES
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Table 4.1: Area of questionnaire distribution 28
Table 4.2 Trees as removal of air pollutants 29
Table 4.3 Do trees protect watershed 29
Table 4.4 Do trees bring in cooler air in dry season 29
Table 4.5 Do trees bring cold during wet season 30
Table 4.6 Do trees help improve health 31
Table 4.7 Have you ever used trees to cure diseases 31
Table 4.8 Did you plant the trees around your house 32
Table 4.9 How old are the trees around your house 33
Table 4.10 Has urban forest density decreased in recent years 37
Table 4.11 Is there an existing game reserve in this area 39
Table 4.12 Trees found in study area and their botanical names 40
Table 4.13 Common diseases cured with tree products in study area 41
LIST OF PLATES
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Plate 1: Kolanut and Orange trees sheltering carpenter’s shop in study area 48
Plate 2: A car parked under Acacia tree in the study area 48
Plate 3: Teak trees planted in study area for logging and as windbreakers 49
Plate 4: Masquerade trees used in beautification of a compound 49
Plate 5: Royal palm used for beautifying a house in study area 50
Plate 6: A tree destroyed by building 50
Plate 7: Stack of firewood in a kitchen in the study area 51
APPENDIXES
12. 12
Appendix I: Plates showing the values and threats to urban forests 48
Appendix II: Analysis of data 52
Appendix III: Questionnaire 61
ABSTRACT
13. 13
The study identified the various species of trees in the study area and examined the purposes of planting
trees or retaining trees found in the study area. This was with a view to examining the threats against
urban forests and various anthropogenic activitie that are destructive to the maintenance of urban forests.
Both primary and secondary data source was employed for the study. Thus, questionnaires were
administered in the study area i.e. Oke-Ogbo and Modakeke. Purposive sampling method was used in
administering the questionnaire in the study area with focus on households with trees. Fifty-three (53)
species of trees were identified in the study area and these include orange, kolanut, palm tree, cocoa,
coconut tree, soursop, bread fruit, hog plum, teak, alstonia, sausage tree, brimstone tree, guava, cabbage
tree etc.
The results showed that urban forests are an important part of the urban environment due to the values
they provide such as shade/shelter (38.57%), fruits (31.94%), as windbreakers (23.09%), logging
(3.93%), protection of the ground against erosion (1.22%), as sacred trees (0.49%), and beautification
(0.73%) which make it possible for urban residents to enjoy living in the study area. However, this result
reveals high rate of degradation and depletion of urban trees, as a result of urbanization/urban expansion
(57.3%), use as firewood (18.2%), illegal cutting/lumbering (10.4%), inadequate government
participation (4.7%), bush burning (8.3%), and lack of knowledge (1%).
The study concluded that urban expansion and construction of buildings are the major threats to urban
forests in the study area.
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CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the study
Urban forests have a direct influence on the urban population and provide us with a host of essential
environmental, economic and psychological goods and services. Often it is the most common connection
that urbanites have with their natural environment. Urban trees help replenish oxygen, filter particulate
pollutants, prevent soil erosion, provide a buffer from sun, wind and rain and provide valuable habitat
in our urban areas. Urban trees are likewise source of food, fruits, and herbs.
Threats to the existence of urban forests include the following: rapid urban population growth, limited
land area, and poor implementation of government policies (Fuwape et al; 2011). The rapid population
growth near these urban centers and high rate of urbanization are also threats to some of the benefits of
urban forests and they also impose challenges to the development and growth of the urban forests.
Summarily, it can be said that planning decisions, human action and movement, and human alteration
of landscape features influence these trees.
Although, the values offered by the forests in the urban areas are quite significant, the threats posed by
urbanization, peri-urban population growth, bush burning, lumbering, and other such factors as reduce
the values of urban forests have made it a necessity to use the study area as a sample to quantify the
values of the urban forests. And also to identify the extent of the challenges facing the urban forests in
the study area and viz a viz encourage the preservation of these urban forests.
The Cooperative Forestry Act of 1978 defines urban forestry as the planning, establishment, protection,
and management of trees and associated plants, individually, in small groups, or under forest conditions
within cities, their suburbs, and towns.
The term urban forest refers to all publicly and privately owned trees within an urban area—including
individual trees along streets and in backyards, as well as stands of remnant forest (Nowak et al., 2001).
The urban forest can also be described as a system of plant and animal communities, or as the woody
15. 15
and associated vegetation in and around human settlement areas. It includes street trees, residential trees,
park trees and riverine plant and animal communities. Of course, urban forests provides habitat for a
diversity of urban wildlife. Urban forests exist in big cities, in small towns and in the spaces in between.
Urban forestry is a way of looking at the trees in the community as part of a larger ecosystem that can
contribute to community health, economic vitality and ecological function.
There have been many efforts to quantify the values provided by the urban forest. For example, the City
of Portland’s Bureau of Parks and Recreation conducted a study of the City’s public trees and concluded
that trees are a significant public asset. In addition, several academic studies have recently examined the
influence of trees on real estate prices, finding that the presence of trees increase property values (Netusil
et al., 2009).
The management of urban trees in most municipalities involves only trees located on municipally owned
property. This typically includes street trees — trees within the road allowance on residential front lawns,
boulevards, municipal parks, and other municipally owned properties. The planning and maintenance of
these trees include species selection, site selection, pruning schedules, planting and removals, watering,
and tree inventories. All of this is done in an effort to maintain and enhance our urban forests — yet up
to 90 percent of the trees that make up the urban forest are on private property and in people’s backyards
and front lawns. These trees are not maintained by the municipality but are looked after by the residential
population. Hence, most of the important decisions about what species of trees to plant, where to plant
them and how to take care of them are left up to the homeowner.
Urban forests are a mix of native tree species that existed prior to the development of the city and exotic
species that were introduced by residents or other means. A vast majority of urban population thinks the
presence of trees in their local community is very important. Almost no one thinks trees are unimportant,
and most believe strongly that trees play a very important role in urban areas, while having a major
impact on their own personal health and well-being.
16. 16
Although, trees in cities can contribute significantly to human health and environmental quality.
Unfortunately, little is known about the urban forest resource and what it contributes to the local and
regional society and economy. This is why it is important to study the urban forests in the study area.
1.2 Statement of problem
Trees and forests are, because of seasonal changes and their size, shape, and color, the most prominent
elements of urban nature. Their benefits and uses range from intangible psychological and aesthetic
benefits to amelioration of urban climate and mitigation of air pollution. Historically, the main benefits
of urban trees and forests relate to health, aesthetic and recreational benefits in industrialized cities
(Tyrväinen et al., 1998).
Trees in urban areas can contribute significantly to human health and environmental quality.
Unfortunately, little is known about the urban forest resource and what it contributes to the local and
regional society and economy, even though, everybody believes urban forests are a significant part of
urban areas. The research wants to affirm the values of urban forests so that urban dwellers can
appreciate the urban forest in their environment and learn to care better for them while at the same time
reducing the anthropogenic activities/threats that are destructive to the urban forest.
A major threat against the urban forests is urbanization, which is the shift of population from rural areas
to cities, and the resulting growth of urban areas is the major problem faced by urban forests. The
emergence of Satellite towns, the unmindful falling of trees and hunting of the forest animals is
detrimental to the forest resources in and around the urban centers. Another major problem facing the
establishment and continuity of urban forest is the management practices. The insensitivity of the
authorities to the importance provided by urban forests is a major hiccup in maintaining the values of
the forest resources. The management of the urban forest is important to help prevent the urban
settlement from the consequences of forest degradation.
17. 17
Based on the amount of forests in the study area, the research work aims to understand the values
provided by the urban forests. Thus, the research work will study the full values provided by the forests
to the study area, and also seek to identify the major threats-natural and anthropogenic against the forests.
The study area, Ife-East local Government provides a lot of urban forests that can be studied to know
the values offered to the urban population. Also, with the fact that the population in the study area has
experienced different changes in its environment, they would be able to provide the researcher with the
necessary information about changes in the urban forests due to anthropogenic activities which are the
major threats to urban forests. Therefore, it is important to use Ife-East local Government as the study
area.
1.3 Aim and Objectives
The aim of this research work is to assess the values of urban forest and the threats to the urban forests
in Ife East Local Government Area of Osun State, Nigeria. To achieve this aim the specific objectives
set are to:
i. identify the various species of trees in the study area.
ii. examine the purposes for planting trees or retaining the trees found in their residence.
iii. examine the threats against Urban forests and various anthropogenic activities that are
destructive to the maintenance of urban forests.
1.4 Justification
Based on the amount of forests in the urban center of the study area, the research work aims to understand
the values provided by the urban forests. The uncontrolled forest degradation, logging, deforestation and
urbanization are parts of the several threats to the existence and maintenance of urban forests thereby
reducing the values offered by these forests.
18. 18
Thus, the research work will study the full values provided by the forests to the study area, and also seek
to know the major threats-natural and anthropogenic which faces the forests.
1.5 Research questions
The objectives of this research work are to be achieved by addressing the following questions:
i. What are the common species of trees found in the study area?
ii. What values do the trees provide to the populace in the study area?
iii. What are their reasons for planting trees around their residence or retaining the trees on their
residential sites?
iv. What anthropogenic activities are destructive to the management and maintenance of urban
forests in the study area?
1.6 Study area
1.6.1 Location and size
Ife-East Local Government shown in figure 1.1 is in Ile-Ife, Osun State is located between latitudes 7º27¹
and 7°45’ North, and longitude 4°36’
and 4º6’ East of the Greenwich Meridian.
The region is found in Osun State, South-Western part of Nigeria. Its headquarters is in Oke Ogbo.
Ife-East LGA, shown by figure 1 below, has an area of about 172km2
and a population of about 188,087
as at the period of 2006 population census.
19. 19
Ile-Ife is surrounded by rural settlements where agriculture is the chief occupation. However, Ile-Ife
itself is a commercialized city that depends on the surrounding hinterland for most of its food supply.
1.6.2 Geology
The land area of Ife-East is geologically made up of Precambrian rocks. The fertile soil of the area is
derived from the Precambrian rocks. The characteristic of Ile-Ife as a whole is a reflection of the parent
materials and the climatic region within which it falls.
The study area is a part of the Western upland of South Western Nigeria. Much of this area lies 500
meters above sea level. Generally, the study area consists mainly of a ridge alternation of valley and
inter-fluxes.
Ile-Ife has an undulating terrain underlain by metamorphic rocks and characterized by two types of soils,
deep clay soils on the upper slopes and sandy soils on the lower parts (Smyth and Montgomery, 1962).
1.6.3 Soil
The soil of the study area belongs to the tropical red soils associated with basement complex, well
drained with dark brownish clayed-loam surface. It has a high holding capacity but prone to crusting
because of high clay content.
The soil is derived from material of old basement complex, which is mainly made up of granitic
metamorphosed sedimentary rock. The most significant category of soils in Ife area is the Itagunmodi
series which is well known for its significance in cocoa cultivation. Soils belonging to this series are
some of the best cocoa soil in Western Nigeria (Adejuwon and Jeje, 1982).
1.6.4 Climate
20. 20
Ife-East LGA environment is made up of tropical humid climate. The climate is within the tropical zone.
The mean minimum temperature reported, ranges from 20ºC in January to 23ºC in February, while the
mean maximum for the hottest month (August), is 27.6ºC. This suggests that the diurnal range of
temperature is low (about 10o
c) and the relative humidity is high.
The mean annual rainfall is bimodal in distribution, at 1400mm with peaks in July and September.
The climate is therefore, very conducive and favourable for human habitation. The three main wind
currents that dominate and influence the climate of Ile-Ife includes, the Tropical Maritime (mT) air
mass, the Tropical Continental (cT) air mass, and the Equatorial Easterlies (Ojo, 1977).
The two prevailing seasons are the rainy season (April-October) followed by the dry season (November-
March). These prevailing two season types determine the vegetation types in the area. The climate here
is less humid, and the harmattan winds are strongly felt in the dry season.
1.6.5 Vegetation and Land Uses
Ile-Ife lies in the dry deciduous forest zone. White (1983) described the vegetation type as the Guinea-
Congo forest type. This natural vegetation type has however given way to human settlement, food,
animals and tree-crop farm mosaics, and secondary forests as well as bush growth. The study area has a
dynamic relief and drainage system.
Ile-Ife lies within the forest area, which forms a transitional zone between the fresh water swamps along
the gulf of Guinea and dry savannah belt in the north. The area can be divided into two: The dense
rainforest of the wetter south east and the more northerly, dry forest, containing a greater portion of
21. 21
deciduous trees. The rainforest is a source of valuable timber and much of the zones that constituted the
forest have been cleared to cultivate perennial and annual food crops.
22. 22
Fig 1.1 Nigeria showing Osun State; Osun State showing the study area.
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Introduction:
Trees in cities can contribute significantly to human health and environmental quality. Unfortunately,
little is known about the urban forest resource and what it contributes to the local and regional society
and economy. This review is important in other to better understand the urban forest resource and its
numerous values.
It is also expedient to quantify the threats against the urban forest which among others include bush
burning, deforestation, lumbering, peri-urban expansion, rapid urbanization, overpopulation, illiteracy
etc.
2.2 Definition of Urban Forests:
The Cooperative Forestry Act of 1978 defines urban forestry as the planning, establishment, protection,
and management of trees and associated plants, individually, in small groups, or under forest conditions
23. 23
within cities, their suburbs, and towns. Urban forestry is also a way of looking at the trees in the
community as part of a larger ecosystem that can both contribute to community health, economic vitality
and ecological function. Urban forests have played important roles in social, cultural, economic and
environmental development of urban centers in West Africa through benefits such as landscape
enhancement, provision of recreational and cultural facilities, erosion control, watershed protection and
supply of fruits and fuel wood.
Urban forests are a mix of native tree species that existed prior to the development of the city and exotic
species that were introduced by residents or other means. Thus, urban forests often have a
tree diversity that is higher than surrounding native landscapes (Nowak, 2009). The urban forest refers
to all trees within an urban area, regardless of land use type, whether public or private. Trees in private
yards, street boulevards, parks, woodlands, wetlands, ravines and fields are included in this term
(Blackwell, 2012). While urban forest is a collective term that encompasses all trees within a defined
urban area, distinctions are made between two major types of urban forest ecosystems: Trees in largely
man-made environments include street trees, manicured park and yard trees, and trees in hard surface
environments such as large parking lots. These trees grow in a significantly modified environment and
management costs are relatively high. These urban forest ecosystems are often considered “green
infrastructure” (Blackwell, 2012).
Trees in natural ecosystems include woodlands, wetlands, and other natural areas. These ecosystems
generally include native tree and understory vegetation. Management costs are relatively low, while
conservation values are high. These urban forest ecosystems are often considered natural capital
(Blackwell, 2012).
2.3 Common Tree Types
24. 24
The types of tree species planted for landscape enhancement, environmental protection and other
benefits varied with ecological zones and cultural values in West Africa. In Sahel savannah, the
preponderance of Adansonia digitata, and Acacia species were observed while in Guinea and Sudan
savannah, Azadirachta species, Eucalyptus species, Acacia species and Gmelina arborea dominated.
Terminalia species, Gmelina arborea, Tectona grandis, Citrus spp, species of palm (oil palm, coconut
etc.), etc. are common in tropical rainforest zone. Other common tree species include Milicia species,
Terminalia species, Magnifera indica, Mausonia species, Khaya species, Nacichlea diderechi, Chodea
milini, Ceiba pentadra, Afzelia Africana, Blighia sapida, Cocos nucifera, Ficus asperiola, Psidium
guajava, Hibiscus, Manihot utilisima, Spondias monbin,
Terminalia cattapa, Theobroma cacao, Acacia sayal, Ficus exasperate, Anacardium occidentale,
Pterocarpus sp, Cassia spp, Ceiba pentadra, Alstonia congensis, Annogeisus leocanpus, Musa spp,
Poinciana regia, Jatropha curcas.
2.4 Values of Urban forests
Forest structure is a measure of various physical attributes of the vegetation, including tree species
composition, number of trees, tree density, tree health, leaf area, biomass, and species diversity. Forest
functions, which are determined by forest structure, include a wide range of environmental and
ecosystem services such as air pollution removal and cooler air temperatures. Forest values are an
estimate of the economic worth of the various forest functions (Nowak, 2009).
A large part of the urban population in Africa is still heavily dependent on fuelwood. The urban poor
usually spend a significant proportion of their income or time securing woodfuel (Kuchelmeister, 2001).
Inexpensive woodfuel (e.g. charcoal) is as close to many households in poor urban neighborhoods as
modern fuels is to the urban rich. Variation in wood fuel collection depends on forest cover, population
density, availability and stability of alternative sources of energy. With the increasing number of urban
25. 25
poor in most West African cities, wood fuel will remain a major source domestic energy for a long period
of time in spite of the massive rural –urban migration (Fuwape et al., 2005).
Another tangible benefit of urban forestry is the provision of timber for building and construction. Many
urban dwellers, especially those living in urban fringes, shanties and slum obtain timber for building
from avenue trees and trees from peri-urban plantations. Systematic planting of street trees for timber
production is widely practiced in China and Malaysia (Webb, 1999). However, timber production from
urban forests in West African cities has not been optimized due to a mix of ignorance, tenure insecurity
and deficits in technical know-how (Fuwape et al., 2005).
By providing settings for physical exercise, intercepting particles and reducing air pollution, acting as
carbon sinks and mitigating global warming (Harris et al., 1999; McPherson and Simpson, 1999;
Konijnendijk et al., 2004), urban forests can have a positive impact on physical health of urban dwellers.
One of the most appreciated characteristics of trees used for urban forestry in West Africa is their wide
spreading crown, which serve for shelter. Car parking lots in private and public buildings are usually
lined with such trees. Cars are parked under these trees to protect them from the scotching sun. Humans
and domestic animals also take shelter under urban trees because the trees reduce the effect of ultraviolet
radiation from the sun (Konijnendijk et al., 2004).
Most schools in urban areas are adorned with trees for students to sit under and relax during break period.
Open markets are planted with trees and traders take advantage of the shade/shelter to display their goods
and services. Urban trees protect soils and moderates harsh urban climates by cooling the air, reducing
wind speeds, and shading (Konijnendijk et al., 2004). In arid regions e.g., Ouagadougou, Yola, Kano,
forest shelterbelts around cities help combat desertification and dust storms (Kambou, 1992). The
micro–climate created by the trees moderate diurnal range of air temperature and maintains atmospheric
26. 26
humidity levels. The trees are described as the lungs of the cities; they absorb carbon dioxide and other
gaseous pollutants and replenish oxygen into the air.
In the Sahel and Sudan savanna regions of West Africa where strong winds affect buildings and other
municipal facilities, trees are planted to provide wind breaks. The trees reduced wind speed thereby
protecting urban structures from destruction. In northern Nigeria, Burkina Faso and Gambia, Eucalyptus
species interspersed with Acacia, Anacardium and Azadirachta indica provide effective wind breaks
(Fuwape, 2005). Avenue trees beautify the urban centers and provide aesthetic green features to break
the monotones link of concrete buildings.
Urban forestry practices such as gardens and parks, peri-urban agroforests, botanical gardens and
protected zones play vital role in nature conservation. Incorporating trees in urban landscape improves
biological conservation and biodiversity. Greenbelts and greenways can serve as biological corridors,
reconnecting a city to its surrounding bioregion. The level of biodiversity of urban green areas is often
surprisingly high, representing nature close to where people live (Konijnendijk et al., 2004). Trees
planted in erosion prone areas in Imo, Anambra, Abia, and Enugu states in Nigeria have enhanced water
percolation during rainfall and reduced instances of run-off and soil erosion. Forest cover in steep slopes
in different parts of Ghana, Ivory Coast, Benin, Togo and Nigeria were reported to have protected the
landscape from development of gully erosion. Urban forests play vital role in global carbon cycle, the
tropical forests absorb and sequester large quantity of carbon.
The role urban vegetation plays in watershed management is increasingly becoming important in
developed and developing countries (Konijnendijk et al., 2004). Trees planted along watersheds protect
catchment water balance and stream flow. Many cities have established and conserved forests to reduce
water runoff, protect drinking water resources and process waste water (El Lakany., 1999). Forests in
the watershed intercept excessive rainfall and regulate stream flow by gradually releasing rain water into
27. 27
the streams and rivers thereby reducing flooding and erosion. Trees also protect the watershed from
excessive evapotranspiration.
Recreational facilities are also provided by green parks and botanical gardens in many West African
urban settlements. People organize picnics and funfairs in such gardens (Fuwape, 2005).
The presence of urban trees and forests can make the urban environment a more aesthetic, pleasant, and
emotionally satisfying place in which to live, work, and spend leisure time (Dwyer et al., 1991; Taylor
et al., 2001a, 2001b; Ulrich, 1984). Urban trees also provide numerous health benefits; for example, tree
shade/shelter reduces ultraviolet radiation and its associated health problems (Heisler et al., 1995), and
hospital patients with window views of trees have been shown to recover faster and with fewer
complications than patients without such views (Ulrich., 1984).
Urban forests serve as habitats for animals and plants and can also act as reservoirs for endangered
species. Urban forest wildlife offer enjoyment to city dwellers (Shaw et al., 1985) and can serve as
indicators of local environmental health (VanDruff et al., 1995). Trees and other plants help remediate
soils at landfills and other contaminated sites by absorbing, transforming, and containing a number of
contaminants (Westphal and Isebrands., 2001).
Landscaping with trees—in yards, in parks and greenways, along streets, and in shopping centers—can
increase property values and commercial benefits (Anderson and Cordell., 1988; Corrill et al., 1978;
Donovan and Butry., 2008; Dwyer et al., 1992; Wolf 2003., 2004). One study found that on average,
prices for goods purchased in Seattle were 11 percent higher in landscaped areas than in areas with no
trees (Wolf, 1998). However, this is not a very common value of urban forest in Nigeria. Properly
designed plantings of trees and shrubs can significantly reduce noise (Anderson et al., 1984). Wide
plantings (around 100 ft) of tall dense trees combined with soft ground surfaces can reduce apparent
loudness by 50 percent or more (6 to 10 decibels) (Cook., 1978).
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Trees and soils improve water quality and reduce the need for costly storm water treatment (the removal
of harmful substances washed off roads, parking lots, and roofs during rain/snow events), by intercepting
and retaining or slowing the flow of precipitation reaching the ground. During an intense storm in
Dayton, OH, for example, the tree canopy was estimated to reduce potential runoff by 7 percent
(Sanders., 1986).
Urban trees can affect climate change by directly storing carbon within their tissues and by reducing
carbon emissions from power plants through lowered building energy use. Urban trees in the
conterminous United States currently store 770 million tons of carbon, valued at $14.3 billion (Nowak
and Crane., 2002). A substantial amount of carbon stored in the vegetation in the dry zones
averaging about 30 tons per hectare, declines when the vegetation is depleted (Alamu., et al 2011).
Trees improve air quality by lowering air temperatures, altering emissions from building energy use and
other sources, and removing air pollutants through their leaves. Urban trees in the conterminous United
States remove some 784,000 tons of air pollution annually, with a value of $3.8 billion (Nowak et al.,
2006)
Trees influence thermal comfort, energy use, and air quality by providing shade/shelter, transpiring
moisture, and reducing wind speeds. The establishment of 100 million mature trees around residences
in the United States is said to save about $2 billion annually in reduced energy costs (Akbari et al., 1988,
1992; Donovan and Butry., 2009).
Urban forests make important contributions to the economic vitality and character of a city,
neighborhood, or subdivision. Furthermore, a stronger sense of community and empowerment to
improve neighborhood conditions in inner cities has been attributed to involvement in urban forestry
efforts (Kuo and Sullivan., 2001a, 2001b; Sommer et al., 1994a, 1994b; Westphal., 1999, 2003).
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2.5 Cultural Values and Symbolic Importance of Forests
Trees are often valued as carriers of symbolic meaning. There are many examples of trees used as
symbols of people as well as religious symbols.
2.5.1 The tree’s significance as a link to culture and belief
Forest trees, the links between the sky and earth, often symbolize links between the spiritual world of
ancestors and people. Rituals and ceremonies which draw on forest symbols often serve to link people
with their cultural heritage, as well as their ancestral past (Calame-Griaule., 1969; 1970).
The deciduous characteristic of the tree gives it an ambiguous image which reflects the tree’s power to
give life and rebirth as well as to bring about death. In many African myths and stories, the tree is
portrayed as an ancestral symbol of wisdom, authority and custom, providing a bond between the dead
and the living (Studstill., 1970). Similarly, in other stories Gorog-Karady (1970) relates that the tree
often symbolises a mediator and judge. Trees play a role in all facets and periods of West African
peoples’ lives. The Oubangui (Centre Afrique) plant a tree in the bush for a newborn child. The child’s
development is linked to the growth of the tree. If tree growth declines, people fear for the health of the
child and a healer is called upon. When the child is sick it is brought to the tree for treatment. When the
tree begins to fruit, the time will have come for the child to marry. Throughout a person’s life, gifts are
occasionally left for the tree. When someone dies their spirit goes to reside in their personal birthright
tree (Vergiat., 1969).
Forests provide the venue for many cultural events. In many parts of West Africa, forest areas and
specific trees are protected and valued for particular cultural occasions and as historic symbols. In an
analysis of traditional African political institutions, Niangoran-Bouah (1983) notes that there are two
traditional sacred locations for reunion: sacred groves and arbres a palabre. The arbre a palabre is the
venue for political and social meetings: the location where elders sit under the big tree and talk until they
agree. It is the location where political, judicial, and social decisions are made. Visser (1975) notes that
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among the Ando of Côte d’Ivoire there are specific tree species which serve as arbres a palabre such as
Microdesmis sp., Blighia sapida (also a symbol of fecundity), Cordia millenii, and Bombax
buonopozense.
Sacred groves are the site of ritual and secret society initiations, a locale where social and political values,
morals, secrets, and laws are passed on to the younger generation. The trees within these groves are
viewed as sacred trees, housing spirits, and providing links to ancestors. In some areas, sacred groves
are the only forested areas that remain (Koagne., 1986).
2.5.2 The symbolic and sacred significance of particular forest resources
In a study comparing the religious significance of different forest species for different West African
cultures, Schnell (1946) found that Chlorophora excelsa was a sacred tree throughout the region. It was
often protected, and sacrifices and gifts were given to it. Villages were often located near it, and in some
cases the C. excelsa was planted in the village. The tree was especially associated with fertility and birth.
For example, the Ibo (Southern Nigeria) believe that it furnishes the souls for the newborn (Andoh.,
1986). And in the Ho region of Ghana, it is (Asamoah., 1985) believed to be the dwelling for dwarfs;
underneath it ritual sacrifices are performed. And its wood is used for making sacred drums and coffins.
For the Gueré and Oubi (Côte d’Ivoire), C. excelsa is also the location for ritual sacrifices (Téhé., 1980).
Ceiba pentandra is also a sacred tree throughout the West African region. It is usually associated with
burials and ancestors (Schnell., 1946). Asamoah (1985) notes that in the Ho region of Ghana, its bark
and leaves are believed to expel evil spirits. Among the Beti of Southern Cameroon, Amat and
Cortadellas (1972) report that the ‘oven’ tree Didelotia africana is sacred. It is thought extremely
powerful and is used in many traditional healing treatments, especially those involving sorcery. It is
approached for help with difficult problems (e.g. broken marriages), but can only be used by healers
who have the power to communicate with it.
2.5.3 The judicial function of trees
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Trees serve both practical and symbolic judicial roles. Symbolically, they can represent mediators or
decision makers. Practically, they are physical boundary markers that define property and provide
evidence of usury rights in judicial disputes. The symbol of the tree as mediator is illustrated in Gorog-
Karady’s (1970) examination of the justice and mediating role of trees in African oral tradition. In some
cases the practical and symbolic roles of particular tree species are combined. For instance, in Western
Cameroon, the tree Dracaena arborea is traditionally considered a symbol of peace and for this reason
it is used to mark property boundaries (Depommier., 1983).
Among the Agni of Côte d’Ivoire, the Sereer of Senegal, and in the Boualé region of Côte d’Ivoire trees
play a central role in the land tenure system. For the Agni, trees evidence land-use rights for an individual
or lineage group. And, as in many cultures of the region, in the Agni culture, someone who plants a tree
in a field has sole rights to its produce and sole rights to the use of the land it stands on.
2.5.4 The use of forest products in social and cultural ceremonies
Forests provide a range of products for traditional ceremonies from food and beverages to costumes and
musical instruments. Forest foods also feature in many cultural ceremonies: marriages, funerals,
initiations, installation of chiefs, and birth celebrations, etc. Palm wine and cola nuts are important
symbolic foods throughout humid West Africa. In Nigeria, for example, palm wine is of paramount
importance at most social functions (Okafor, 1979). It is used in pouring libations, offering prayers, and
heralding events. Cola nuts are regarded as important symbols of welcome and hospitality. Among the
Igbo of Southern Nigeria, all discussions, prayers, and ceremonies begin with the breaking of cola nuts.
Without cola, these occasions are not regarded as serious (Okigbo, 1980).
Forests also provide the raw materials for many of the objects that are used in traditional ceremonies.
Most musical instruments are made from forest products. For example, the Oubi (in
Côte d’Ivoire) use Cordia platythyrsa for making tam-tams. The Boualé (also from Côte d’Ivoire) make
a musical slide/rattle with the fruit of Oncoba spinosa and Glyphaea brevis and the seed of Entada
32. 32
pursaetha (Téhé, 1980). Similarly, the seed shells of Chrysophyllum albidum and Mammea africana are
worn by dancers as rattles and the wooden strips of Ricinodendron heudelottii are used to make
xylophones in Igboland, Nigeria (Okigbo, 1980). Among the Mende and Dan (Côte d’Ivoire), masks
play an important role in rituals and ceremonies; they often represent the spirits of the forests and
ancestors (who reside in forests) and thus express and evoke cultural links to the past (Jedrej, 1986).
Finally, masks used in ceremonies throughout the region are often made with the wood of trees that are
valued for their spiritual or mystical attributes (Jedrej 1986, Gollnhofer et al., 1975). In Gabon, Perrois
(1971) notes that wood sculptures and ceremonial objects serve as vehicles of communication with
ancestors; the wood is used for different artifacts and is chosen according to the purposes and symbolic
values of specific tree species.
2.5.5 Trees as symbols of people
Appleyard (1980) observes several parallels between our images of people and trees. The sheltering
nature of trees suggests a parental nature. He also notes that old trees look wise, and young saplings are
fresh and growing.
It is general for people to feel sad when a tree looks sick. They speak of a tree's branches as limbs- just
as we do of our own arms and legs. Some leaves are characterized as reaching out like fingers or having
a palmate shape (after the Latin word for hand), while in the fall others curl up like a fist. When a tree
has been damaged, it is said that they are wounded and healed. Likewise, we speak of our roots and
family tree.
2.5.6 Trees as religious symbols
Schroeder (1991) observes that trees have been used by many cultures to symbolize health, wisdom, and
enlightenment and provides illustrations of a number of religious and cultural traditions where trees
33. 33
stand as a symbolic link between the human and divine, and are the means by which humans come into
contact with their deepest spiritual values.
This spirituality can be exemplified by the two trees in the mythical Garden of Eden (the Tree of Life
and Tree of Knowledge; Genesis 2:9, Revelation 2:7) in the Hebrew creation story. The cross, which is
central to Christianity, is sometimes identified with the Tree of Life; and in the Book of Revelation, the
Tree of Life is found growing in the New Jerusalem (Revelations 22:2). The Bible contains more
references to trees and wood (over 525) than to any other type of living organism except humans. A total
of 22 trees were mentioned in the Bible. The date palm, fig, olive, pomegranate and tamarisk are also
included in the Koran as similar to those mentioned in the Bible. Unique to the Koran are the Talh (either
banana plant or genus Acacia), the sidr (a thorn bush) and the mysterious and foul “tree of Hell”, or
zaqqm (As-Saffat 37:65)
Finally, the Quran and the Bible likens the believer to trees such as the date palm tree, and the Olive
tree. (Ibrahim 14:24, Al-Nur 24:35; Psalms 1:3, 92:12). This shows how important trees are in religion
and also Prophet Muhammad (SAW) instructed concerning the Olive tree, specifically saying the oil
should be eaten and used on the skin and hair for it is a blessed tree (Al-Muminun, 23:20). Hindu
symbolism represents the awakening of divine consciousness as a serpent ascending a tree, and Buddha
is reported to have achieved enlightenment while sitting under the "wisdom tree." Rolston (1988) and
Schroeder (1991; 1998) refer to the forest as a religious resource and compare forests and places of
worship (i.e., Cathedrals). The spiritual-religious values of wilderness have long been noted. The work
of (Chenoweth and Gobster (1989); Gobster and Chenoweth (1990); and Schroeder (1991; 1998)
suggests that urban trees and forests can contribute to experiences that are religious in nature.
Generally, in South-Western Nigeria, Islamic praying grounds are usually adorned with trees to provide
shade/shelter for worshippers during major Islamic prayers such as Ed-il-Fitr, Ed-il-Kabir etc. The trees
are specially chosen and planted such that they provide shade/shelter during the festival prayers.
34. 34
2.5.7 Fear of the forest
It is important to recognize that the images of trees and forests in our past have not always been positive
(Dwyer et al., 1991). There are images of the howling wilderness full of savage beasts and other dangers.
In the early years of European settlement in Nigeria, the forest was often a barrier to cultivation and a
hiding place of enemies. Fears of the forest persist to this day. Some have their roots in the past, such as
fear of the sacred groves where it is believed that spirits of their ancestors reside. Others are a function
of more recent concerns. Urbanites may fear being attacked by criminals who spring from urban
vegetation, becoming lost, or contracting disease while in the forest. Fears such as listed above may
cause people to limit the density of tree planting around homes and to avoid heavily forested portions of
the city. These fears may reflect in part a lack of familiarity with forests by Urbanites and their origins
probably relate to the environments in which people have grown up. For example, in one study,
individuals who grew up in suburban areas tended to feel most comfortable in natural settings, while
those who grew up in cities tended to feel most comfortable in developed settings (Schroeder, 1983).
2.6 Threats to urban forests
Rapid urban population growth, limited land area, and poor implementation of government policies are
some factors affecting urban forests development in West Africa. The peri -urban population growth and
high rate of urbanization have threatened some of the benefits of urban forests and imposed challenges
to the development of urban forests. The rapid urbanization in West Africa has brought about a wide
range of challenges. Some cities have more than tripled in size and population during the past five
decades, thus leading to the loss of large areas of green spaces, which is expected to continue during the
coming decades. One of the major challenges of emerging mega-cities in West Africa is managing and
catering for the influx of rural population. Continuing urbanization in developing countries has led to
35. 35
major problems in terms of hunger, poverty, inadequate shelter, social segregation, unemployment,
pollution of water, soil, and atmosphere etc. (Fuwape et al, 2011). The immediate challenge of rapid
urbanization is the demand for land by rural –urban immigrant for housing projects. Many cities in
Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast and Senegal have experienced destruction of tree gardens, recreational parks
and peri –urban plantations in the bid to create space for establishment of housing units. Many rural –
urban migrants are involved in low income employment and cannot afford expensive house rents or
payment of mortgage, thus they embark on self-housing projects. In some instances, the houses are
erected on watershed thereby disrupting water flow and causing flooding. The houses established in
slumps often constitute terrible environmental hazards since they were sited in illegal locations which
often lacked municipal facilities (Fuwape et al, 2011).
Development within and around urban areas in forested regions can lead to decrease in forest area and
fragmentation of forest stands, which can significantly affect plant and wildlife populations, forest
biodiversity and health (Nowak et al. 2005), and parcelization of forested areas (where stands remains
intact but have multiple landowners), which can affect the available timber supply and forest
management (Zhang et al, 2005).
Another consequence of rapid urbanization is the destruction of urban and peri-urban forest to create
land for infrastructural development. Intensive pressures by government and land speculators have
resulted in the destruction of schools, hospitals and municipal facilities. Some rural–urban migrants who
cannot afford conventional cooking facilities have also been reported to illegally cut down avenue trees
along the street and botanical gardens especially in Accra – Tema metropolis, Sokoto and Maiduguri.
Reports indicated that some recreational parks and gardens have been converted into refuse dump in
Ibadan, Lagos, Kano and Kaduna in Nigeria; Accra and Kumasi in Ghana and Freetown in Sierra Leone
(Fuwape et al, 2011). The rapid urban development has also affected allocation of fund by municipal
36. 36
government, where most of the fund are diverted to provision of education and healthcare, little fund is
available for urban forests establishment and management.
Urban forests also are constantly changing through time as a result of land development, ownership
changes, tree growth and mortality, natural regeneration, tree planting, and tree maintenance and
management activities. These changes present additional challenges for maintaining urban forest cover,
health, and benefits.
Uncontrolled fires, or wildfires, can cause substantial damage to urban forests and dramatically alter the
urban landscape, especially in urban areas adjacent to wild lands (often referred to as the wild land-urban
interface) (Spyratos et al., 2007). High population growth and urban expansion in California, for
example, have led to a substantial increase in fire ignitions in wild land-urban interface areas (Syphard
et al., 2007). Urban forests can be greatly affected by natural catastrophic events such as ice storms,
snow, and severe wind, which can result in broken branches or uprooted trees among other impacts
(Greenberg and McNab, 1998; Irland, 2000; Proulx and Greene, 2001; Valinger and Fridman; 1997).
Such events can cause damage to people and property.
Forest ecosystems can be substantially affected by air pollution, especially from regional deposition of
ozone, nitrogen, sulfur, and hydrogen (Stolte, 1996). Ozone has been documented to reduce tree growth
(Pye, 1988), reduce resistance to bark beetle, and increase susceptibility to drought (Stolte, 1996).
Beckett et al. (1998) reviewed several reports and surmised that pollutant particles can have a wide
variety of effects on trees and that heavy metals and other toxic particles can accumulate in urban soils,
causing damage and death in some species.
(Fuwape et al; 2011), other challenges of urban forest development in West Africa include:
i. Inadequate appreciation of the economic value of urban forests;
ii. Insufficient government and private participation;
37. 37
iii. Inappropriate land-use policies;
The above shows clearly that trees are not just ordinary members of the natural environment, rather they
provide several values and benefits to the environment, and the populace. However, the challenges
encountered by the trees may reduce their values. Thus, it is important that the trees be managed
properly.
CHAPTER 3
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 Introduction:
The study aims to study the values and threats to urban forests in Ife-East Local Government area of Ile-
Ife, Osun State. To achieve the aim and objectives of this research work, there is a need to collect suitable
data. The primary data source (questionnaire), interview of households with trees and in major parks and
schools containing trees in their compound would therefore be important for this research work.
3.2 Nature of data:
The data to be collected will include information on the tangible benefits of the trees, the symbolic,
cultural and religious importance of these trees, the purposes of planting trees and the threats that have
so reduced the density of the trees in the study area.
38. 38
The primary sources of data will be through the use of questionnaires to be distributed to the residents
of the study area and interview of major stakeholders in the environment, schools, and green areas would
therefore be useful for this research work.
3.3 Sampling procedure:
The sampling procedure to be used is the purposive sampling method. The Local Government area will
be segmented into its urban centers, namely Oke-Ogbo and Modakeke. Residents with trees around them
will be chosen to answer questionnaires. Likewise, Principals and or teachers of secondary schools with
trees would also be selected to answer the questionnaires. Questionnaires
will be distributed in parks with trees if any exist in the study area. In-depth interview will be conducted
to complement the information obtained from the questionnaires.
In each urban area (Oke Ogbo and Modakeke) of Ife East LGA, some selected households (especially
those with trees), neighborhood and fringe forests would be selected for keen observation. Residential
areas with trees would be selected for observation and gathering of information on the values and
challenges of the urban forests.
3.4 Collection of data
Primary data would be gathered by the use of a well-outlined two-hundred (200) questionnaire. Such
data which the questionnaire will cover include the kinds of trees in the study area, purposes for planting,
their values and threats to such trees. A survey on the status of the tree and types of trees encouraged in
the study area will also be carried out.
Pictures of urban forests will also be taken to show the aesthetic nature of urban forests and other values
seen physically on field. Also, where there has been massive clearance and bush burning, pictures of
39. 39
such places will be taken as evidence of the threats against urban forests. Pictures of urban development
on lands that were formerly forest reserves, sacred grooves will have their pictures taken to show how
urbanization is an important challenge of urban forests.
3.5 Data analysis:
In this research, the data gathered will be analyzed using statistical techniques such as frequency
(percentages) and charts (pie charts, bar charts etc.). Simple descriptive statistics will be employed to
explore data and describe the nature of the data sets. To this end, the study will analyze the data in order
to show and discuss the results.
CHAPTER FOUR
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
4.1 Introduction
A thorough analysis of urban forest values and major threats to the forests are discussed in this chapter
using the data collected on the field via questionnaires and in-depth interview to show results
regarding the research topic.
Also, the chapter examines the various anthropogenic activities that can lead to forest degradation or
has reduced the forest density in the study area. The field survey was conducted with 200
questionnaires through purposive sampling method. The analysis is as follows:
4.2 Results and discussions
Table 4.1
Respondents Frequency Percent (%)
40. 40
Urban area Modakeke 90 45
Oke Ogbo 110 55
Total 200 100
Sex Male 120 60.3
Female 79 39.7
Total 199 100
Age 21-40 64 32.6
41-60 38 19.4
61+ 94 48.0
Total 196 100
Level of Education No formal education 38 19.4
Primary 35 17.9
Secondary 64 32.6
Tertiary 59 30.1
Total 196 100
Source: Field survey, 2015
Table 4.1 shows the distribution of the questionnaires in the two urban centers of Ife East Local
Government area. 110 (55%) questionnaires were distributed in Oke Ogbo, which is the local
government headquarters of the study area while 90 (45%) were distributed in Modakeke, Ife East area
office. The table shows that (64) 32.7% of the respondents are within the age bracket of (38) 21-40, 48%
within the age bracket (94) 41-60 and the remaining respondents above the age of 61 being 19.4%. 120
(60%) of the respondents are male while 79 (39.5%) are female respondents in the study area. The age
distribution shows that the respondents are within the age grade with enough experiences to answer
questions on urban forests. Also, the table below shows that 35 (17.5%) respondents attained secondary
school education, with 59 (29%) of the respondents being educated to the tertiary level, while 64 (32%)
of the respondents having primary education and the remaining 38 (19%) have no education at all. It can
be concluded from the table below that 61% of the respondents are educated to the level that they can
comfortably and knowledgeably answer questions related to trees.
4.3 Values of urban forests
41. 41
Table 4.2 shows 182 (91%) of the respondents agree that trees help in removing air pollution and
confirm that with trees blow in fresh air into the urban centre while 15 (7.5%) respondents disagreed
with the this statement.
Table 4.2: Trees as removal of air pollutants
Frequency Percent
Yes 182 91.0
No 15 7.5
Total 197 98.5
Source: Field survey, 2015
Table 4.3 below shows 119 (62.6%) of the respondents have a knowledge of trees in protecting the
watershed and ascertain that tree acts as a shield and protection for watersheds while 71 (37.4%) of the
respondents did not agree with the submission.
Table 4.3: Trees as protection for watershed
Frequency Percent
Yes 119 62.6
No 71 37.4
Total 190 100.0
Source: Field survey, 2015.
Table 4.4 shows that 195 (97.5%) of the respondents affirmed that trees bring in cooler air during the
dry season but 4 (2%), a minute proportion of the respondents in the study area disagreed. Thus, trees
bring in cooler air during the dry season to make residents more convenient with the high temperature
experienced in the study area. Also, the researcher observed the blowing of cool air while he was
distributing his questionnaires.
Table 4.4: Trees as source of cool air during dry season
Frequency Percent
Yes 195 98.0
42. 42
No 4 2.0
Total 199 100.0
Source: Field survey, 2015.
Table 4.5 shows 194 (97%) of the respondents affirmed that trees increase cold during the wet season
while 6 (3%) respondents disagreed that trees bringing in cooler air during the wet season.
Table 4.5: Trees as source of cool air during wet season
Frequency Percent
Yes 194 97.0
No 6 3.0
Total 200 100.0
Source: Field survey, 2015.
Table 4.6 below illustrates that 196 (98%) of the respondents generally agree that trees help in improving
health through any of the values which would be shown in figure 1 below.
Table 4.6: Trees helping in improving health
Frequency Percent
Yes 196 98.0
No 4 2.0
Total 200 100.0
Source: Field survey, 2015.
43. 43
Table 4.7 below shows that 154 (77.8%) of the respondents agreed that they have used tree products to
cure diseases while 44 (22.2%) of the respondents said they have not used tree products to cure any
disease.
Table 4.7: Respondents that have used trees to cure diseases
Frequency Percent
Yes 154 77.8
No 44 22.2
Total 198 100.0
Source: Field survey, 2015
Figure 1.2 below shows that source of cool breeze (67%) is the most important way in which trees
improve health. Following closely, is the medicinal values of trees (25%), through its use in curing
diseases such as malaria, typhoid, body pain and headache.
Fig. 1.2 showing how trees improve health.
Table 4.8 shows that 161 (85.2%) of the respondents planted the trees around their house. The trees
commonly planted around the house include Mango, Guava, Orange, Cocoa, Acacia, Agunmoniye, etc.
44. 44
28 (14.8%) of the respondents said they did not plant the trees around the house, but preserved the trees
in order to enjoy the values of the trees. Common among the trees preserved include Kolanut, Cocoa,
Orange, Acacia, Ire (Rubber) tree, Almond tree, etc.
Table 4.8: Respondents that planted trees around their house
Frequency Percent
Yes 161 85.2
No 28 14.8
Total 189 100.0
Source: Field survey, 2015
Table 4.9 indicates that 79 (40.5%) of the observed households have trees within the age bracket 5-10
years. This shows that older trees have been caught down in the study area.
74 (37.9%) of the respondents’ household trees are within the age bracket 10-15 years. Trees within the
age bracket 0-5 years and 15-20 years are equally distributed with each group having 21 (10.8%)
household trees within it.
The above analysis shows that trees within the age bracket 0-15 years are trees that were majorly planted
by the households, for example, Orange, Pawpaw, Cashew, Almond fruit; while trees within the age
bracket 15-20 years are usually preserved trees such as Coconut, Palm tree, Cocoa, Odan, Kolanut and
Acacia etc.
Table 4.9: Age of trees around respondents house
Frequency Percent
<5yrs 21 10.8
5-10 years 79 40.5
10-15yrs 74 37.9
15-20yrs 21 10.8
Total 195 100.0
45. 45
Source: Field survey, 2015.
Figure 1.3 below shows the emotional response of respondents to their household trees, with 61% of the
respondents saying they have an emotional attachment to the trees, while 38.5% do not have any
emotional feeling towards their trees.
Fig 1.3: Bar chart showing the emotional response of respondents to their trees.
Fig 1.4 below shows the reasons why people have an emotional attachment to their trees, with 50 (25%)
of the respondents saying they would lose the resources/values the trees provide such as shade/shelter,
beauty, erosion control; while 34 (17%) of respondents saying the fruits provided by the trees would no
longer be available for consumption. 9 (4.5%) said the lose of their trees will lead to lack of ventilation,
with loss of its beautifying values having the least reason with 1 (0.5%) of the respondents choosing it.
106 (53%) of the respondents did say they have no emotional attachment towards their trees.
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
Personal feeling towards trees Feeling sad when tree is
unhealthy
Emotional Response Total
Source: Field survey, 2015.
Emotional response towards trees
Yes No
46. 46
Fig 1.4: Bar chart showing reasons for emotional attachment to trees.
Figure 1.5 below shows the values of the trees in the study area. 157 respondents said they planted or
preserved their trees so it can serve as shade/shelter, where children could play, elders meet and make-
shift shops could be located, making it the most important value of urban trees in the study area.
130 respondents said the trees are planted for their fruits, which they can consume or sell.
94 respondents indicated their preference for trees in order to serve as windbreakers and protect the
house from heavy winds.
16 out of 200 respondents said the trees around their residence were planted so they could be logged in
the future. The major tree planted for this purpose is teak.
47. 47
5 out of the 200 respondents said they decided to plant the trees so they can protect the ground from
erosion, while only 2 respondents planted or preserved the trees because of their sacredness.
To conclude this, 3 respondents out of 200 planted horticultural trees to beautiful their residence.
It should be noted that trees around the urban centre of the study area have multipurpose values, but
according to the data gathered, the values are ranked in the order shown in the bar chart below.
Fig. 1.5 showing the major values of urban trees.
4.4 Threats to urban forests
Table 4.10 shows that 176 (88.4%) of the respondents agreed that forest density have decreased in the
study area in recent years, while 23 (11.6%) of the respondents said there is no decrease in urban forests.
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
180
For shade As windbreakers For logging Protection against
erosion
Sacred tree For its fruits For beautification
AxisTitle
Source: Field survey, 2015
Importance of urban trees
48. 48
Table 4.10: Respondents knowledge of decrease in urban forest density
Frequency Percent
Yes 176 88.4
No 23 11.6
Total 199 100.0
Source: Field survey, 2015.
Figure 1.6 below shows urban expansion is the major threat against urban forests in the study area. Use
as firewood (35/17.5%) closely following as a threat to urban forests, and illegal cutting/lumbering with
10% next in line. Bush burning (8%), inadequate government participation (4.5%), and lack of
knowledge of the values of the trees are other threats to urban forest. These factors have contributed
largely to the reduction in the urban forest density.
49. 49
Fig. 1.6
shows the major threats that has resulted in decrease in urban forests in the study area in recent years.
Figure 1.7 shows construction of buildings is the major factor for cutting down trees. 31 (15.5%) of the
respondents selected control of the growth of the trees as another factor of intentional tree cutting in
the study area. Agricultural purposes and use as firewood are other reasons why trees are cut down in
the study area.
50. 50
Fig. 1.7 showing the reasons for cutting of trees in the study area.
Table 4.11 shows that 49 (24.5%) respondents said game reserve exists in the study area but at the
outskirt of the town, while 151 (75.5%) of the respondents said no game reserve exists in the study area.
Table 4.11: Existence of game reserve in the study area
Frequency Percent
Yes 49 24.5
No 151 75.5
Total 200 100.0
Source: Field survey, 2015.
51. 51
Figure 7 shows that urban expansion with 69.5% is the major reason for the non-existence of game
reserve in the study area. Bush burning and urban agriculture have 5% selection each as a factor for the
non-existence of game reserves.
Fig. 1.8 showing the reasons for non-existence of game reserves in the study area.
4.12 Table showing trees found in the study area
TREES PLANTED/PRESERVED IN STUDY AREA TREES PLANTED/PRESERVED IN STUDY AREA
Common name Botanical Name Common name Botanical Name
1 Traveller palm Ravenala madagascariensis 27 Guava Psidium guajava
2 Akoko (tree of life) Newbouldia laevis 28 Oil palm Elaeis guineensis
3 Cashew Anacardium occidentale 29 Kolanut Cola nitida
4 Orange Citrus cinensis 30 Oruwo (brimstone tree) Morinda lucida
53. 53
Severe headache Oruwo
Convulsion Owu leaf
Kolobo Cashew
Measles Epo era
Body pain Baobab tree
Small pox Pear
Efuku Pepe leaf
Stomach ache Akoko
Cough Agunmoniye
Vomiting Afomo Obi
Efu Ajebale tree
Hypertension Bitter leaf
Fibroid Almond leaf
Dysentery
Source: Field survey, 2015.
`
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Introduction
The aim of this research work is to assess the values of urban forest and the threats to the urban forests
in Ife East Local Government Area of Osun State, Nigeria. The study made use of materials sourced
54. 54
from appropriate related past research works i.e. published and unpublished works. The data from the
field survey was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) and Microsoft Excel.
The research also employs the use of frequency tables and bar charts.
Conclusions were then drawn from the results obtained showing the values of the urban forests and the
major threats against urban forests in Ife East Local Government (covering Oke Ogbo and Modakeke)
of Osun State.
5.2 Summary
i. 120 (60%) of the respondents are male while 79 (39.5%) are female; with secondary school being
the highest educational attainment at 32%, followed by tertiary education with 29.5% stake.
ii. It can be concluded from the information gathered that trees are important as air pollutant
removal from the air, with 91% of the respondents affirming this.
iii. It can also be concluded that trees protect the watershed from drying up. 59.5% of the respondents
said trees protect the watershed, however, it is pertinent to say that the respondents that chose
either yes or no were not sure of this value of trees.
iv. Also, the respondents said trees in urban center bring in cooler air during the dry and wet season.
v. 98% of respondents in the study area agree that trees help improve health, with source of cool
breeze (67%) being the most important way of health improvement, followed by the medicinal
values of these trees.
vi. Irrespective of the age and level of education of the respondents, urban residents still use tree
products for medicinal purposes to cure common diseases like malaria, typhoid, yellow fever,
back pain etc. Malaria remains the most common disease threated with tree products.
55. 55
vii. The proportion of the respondents that planted the trees around their residence was 80.5%, while
the remaining 14% of the respondents that chose no either preserved the trees on their land or
they rented the apartment.
viii. Also, it can be concluded that trees within the age range 0-15 years were majorly planted by the
respondents, while trees above 15 years of age were preserved by the respondents. Planted trees
include Almond, Teak, Cashew, Moringa, Orange, while preserved trees include Cocoa, Kolanut,
Odan, Ire, Acacia etc.
ix. Common trees planted in the study area include Cashew, Orange, Coconut, Bread fruit, Almond
tree, Acacia, Ire tree, Akoko, Palm tree, Oruwo, Cocoa, Neem tree, Ahun tree, Afan tree, Oruwo,
Teak, and Pear.
x. Shade/shelter is the most important value of urban trees with 157 respondents choosing it as a
major factor for planting and or preserving the trees around their house. Other notable importance
of urban forests are provision of fruits and trees serving as wind-breakers. Other values of trees
are for logging, for protection of the ground against erosion, and for beautifying the environment.
xi. Respondents have an emotional attachment towards their trees with 142 respondents saying they
have a personal feeling towards their trees, while 130 respondents said they
are sad when their trees look unhealthy. The most important reason for their emotional
attachment is the loss of values derivable from the trees.
xii. Also, 164 respondents said they do no fear the domestication of urban forests, however, a small
proportion (35 respondents) that said no sited rearing of insects/snakes and falling of trees as
reasons they would not plant trees.
xiii. It can also be concluded from the research that urban forests has decreased in recent years with
88% of the respondents confirming this.
56. 56
xiv. Urban expansion is the major threat against urban forests as a result of construction of buildings
and shops. Other threats against urban forest are use as firewood, illegal cutting, bush burning
and inadequate Government participation. Lack of knowledge (1%) about the values of the urban
forests is also a reason for the depletion of urban forests.
xv. The major reasons for intentional cutting of trees in the urban center of the study area is for
construction of buildings. Control of the growth of the trees in order to prevent it falling on the
house is another reason for cutting down trees. Agricultural purposes (10%) and use as firewood
are other reasons why trees are cut down intentionally in the urban centers.
xvi. There is no game reserve in the study area due to urban expansion. Bush burning and urban
agriculture have also contributed to the non-existence of game reserve.
5.3 Conclusions
Urban forests are an important part of the urban environment due to the values they provide such as
shade/shelter, fruits, medicine, logging, firewood, watershed protection, cool breeze, protection of the
ground against erosion and beautification which make it possible for urban residents to enjoy their living
in the study area.
However, urban expansion, construction of buildings are major threats to the urban forests, resulting in
degradation and depletion of the urban forests. Other threats against urban forests are use as firewood,
illegal cutting/lumbering and bush burning.
5.4 Recommendations
i. There should be increased participation by Government, non-governmental organizations and
the community members in planting, protecting and management of urban forests.
ii. Educational campaign about the values of urban forests should be intensified in order to
encourage urban dwellers to plant trees.
57. 57
iii. Urban dwellers should preserve the trees on acquired land during construction, however, where
impossible to preserve these trees, they should plant other trees in order to enjoy the recognized
values of urban forests.
iv. Degradation of urban forests through bush burning, cutting for firewood and unplanned urban
expansion should be discouraged.
v. Intensive research should be carried out on urban forests to identify ways by which man can
continually utilize the forests potential without degradation.
REFERENCES
AbdulRahaman, A. A. et al. (2009): A survey of some economic trees and their exploitation in Irepodun
Local Government area of Kwara State, Nigeria. In: Biological and Environmental Sciences Journal for
the Tropics 6 (1): pp 57-60
Aiyeloja A. A. et al. (2006): Ethnobotanical potentials of common herbs in Nigeria: A case study of
Enugu State. In: Educational Research and Review Vo. 1(1), pp 16-22.
Alamu, L. O.; Agbeja, B. O. (2011): Deforestation and endangered indigenous tree species in South-
West Nigeria. In: International Journal of Biodiversity and Conservation Vol. 3(7), July 2011, pp. 291-
297.
58. 58
Bruce A. Blackwell (2012): City of London Urban Forest Strategy Report. B.A. Blackwell & Associates
Ltd. 3087 Hoskins Rd. North Vancouver, BC. Ph: 604-985-8769 Email: bablackwell@bablackwell.com
Dwyer, J.F. et al. (1991): The significance of urban trees and forests: toward a deeper understanding of
values. Journal of Arboriculture. 17: 276-284.
Fuwape J.A et al (2010): Urban Forest Development in West Africa: Benefits and Challenges. In: Journal
of Biodiversity and Ecological Sciences, No.1, Vol.1, Issue1.
Jayeola A.A. et al. (2009): Use of wood characters in the identification of selected timber species in
Nigeria. In: Nat. Bot. Hort. Agrobot. Cluj (2) 2009, pp 28-32.
Nowak D.J. et al (2010): Assessing Urban Forest Effects and Values. In: Northern Research Station
Resource Bulletin NRS-37. pp 1-14
Nowak, D.J. et al (2010): Sustaining America’ Urban trees and forests. In: General Technical Report
NRS-62. June 2010. Pp 1-27
NJ Forest Service. “Benefits of trees: trees enrich the health and quality of our environment”. NJ
Department of Environmental Protection. Web. http://www.state.nj.us/dep/seeds/docs/bot.pdf
Orimoogunje O.O.I et al. (2006): Management of Biogeographical components for healthy and
sustainable environment in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Journal of Geography and Planning Sciences (JOGEPS) Vol
2 No 2. pp 56-57
Rabiu Tukur et al. (2013): Indigenous trees inventory and their multipurpose uses in Dutsin-Ma area,
Katsina State. In: European Scientific Journal, April 2013, edition vol.9, No.11. pp 288-300
59. 59
Tyrväinen L, et al: Benefits and Uses of Urban forests and trees. Pp 88-114
Kenton Rogers et al. (2011): Assessing Urban forest effects and values. A report on the findings from
the UK i-Tree Eco pilot project. Published by Treeconomics. Pp 1-42
Alliance for Community Trees (2011): In: www.ACTrees.org 301-277-0040
www.fao.org/docrep/t9450e/t9450e06.htm
www.fao.org/docrep/005/y9882e/y9882e11.htm
http://www.enpostng.com/Education,-Research-and-Training.php
APPENDIX I
Trees for shelter:
60. 60
Plate 1: Kolanut and Orange tree sheltering a Carpenter’s shop in Study area.
Source: Field survey, 2015
Plate 2: A car parked under Acacia tree in the study area
Source: Field survey, 2015
Trees as windbreakers and for logging:
61. 61
Plate 3: Teak trees planted in Study area for logging and as windbreakers
Source: Field survey, 2015
Trees for beautification
Plate 4: Masquerade trees used in beautification of a compound in Study area
Source: Field survey, 2015
62. 62
Plate
5: Royal palms used for beautifying a house in Study area. Source: Field survey, 2015.
Threats against urban forest:
Plate 6: A tree destroyed by burning
Source: Field survey, 2015
63. 63
Plate 7: Stack of firewood in a kitchen in the study area
Source: Field survey, 2015.
64. 64
APPENDIX II: ANALYSIS OF DATA
Demography frequency tables
Name of Area
Frequency Percent
Valid
Oke Ogbo 110 55.0
Modakeke 90 45.0
Total 200 100.0
Age of Respondent
Frequency Valid Percent
Valid
21-40 64 32.7
61> 38 19.4
41-60 94 48.0
Total 196 100.0
Missing System 4
Total 200
Sex of Respondent
Frequency Percent Valid percent
Valid
Male 120 60.0 60.3
Female 79 39.5 39.7
Total 199 99.5 100.0
Missing System 1 .5
Total 200 100.0
65. 65
Level of Education
Frequency Percent Valid Percent
Valid
No formal education 38 19.0 19.4
Primary 35 17.5 17.9
Secondary 64 32.0 32.7
Tertiary 59 29.5 30.1
Total 196 98.0 100.0
Missing System 4 2.0
Total 200 100.0
Religion of respondent
Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative
Percent
Valid
Christian 130 65.0 65.0 65.0
Muslim 70 35.0 35.0 100.0
Total 200 100.0 100.0
Frequency Tables showing the values of Urban Trees
Do breeze from trees help as air pollution removal
Frequency Percent
Valid
Yes 182 91.0
No 15 7.5
Total 197 98.5
Missing System 3 1.5
Total 200 100.0
66. 66
Do trees protect the watershed
Frequency Percent Valid Percent
Valid
Yes 119 59.5 62.6
No 71 35.5 37.4
Total 190 95.0 100.0
Missin
g
Syste
m
10 5.0
Total 200 100.0
Do Trees bring in cooler air temp in dry season
Frequency Percent Valid Percent
Valid
Yes 195 97.5 98.0
No 4 2.0 2.0
Total 199 99.5 100.0
Missin
g
Syste
m
1 .5
Total 200 100.0
Do trees bring cold during wet season
Frequency Percent Valid
Percent
Valid
Yes 194 97.0 97.0
No 6 3.0 3.0
Total 200 100.0 100.0
Do trees help improve health
Frequency Percent Valid
Percent
Valid
Yes 196 98.0 98.0
No 4 2.0 2.0
Total 200 100.0 100.0
67. 67
In what ways do trees improve health
Frequency Percent Valid
Percent
Through physical exercise 6 3.0 3.1
Air pollution removal 6 3.0 3.1
Source of cool breeze 134 67.0 68.4
Medicinal values 50 25.0 25.5
Total 196 98.0 100.0
4 2.0
Total 200 100.0
Have you ever used trees to cure diseases
Frequency Percent Valid
Percent
Valid
Yes 154 77.0 77.8
No 44 22.0 22.2
Total 198 99.0 100.0
Missing System 2 1.0
Total 200 100.0
Did you plant the trees around your house
Frequency Percent Valid
Percent
Valid
Yes 161 80.5 85.2
No 28 14.0 14.8
Total 189 94.5 100.0
Missing System 11 5.5
Total 200 100.0
68. 68
How old are the trees around your house
Frequency Percent Valid
Percent
Valid
<5yrs 21 10.5 10.8
5-10 years 79 39.5 40.5
10-15yrs 74 37.0 37.9
15-20yrs 21 10.5 10.8
Total 195 97.5 100.0
Missing System 5 2.5
Total 200 100.0
Is there any sacred tree or groove in this area
Frequency Percent Valid
Percent
Cumulative
Percent
Valid
Yes 17 8.5 8.6 8.6
No 181 90.5 91.4 100.0
Total 198 99.0 100.0
Missing System 2 1.0
Total 200 100.0
Is there an existing game reserve in this area
Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative
Percent
Valid
Yes 49 24.5 24.5 24.5
No 151 75.5 75.5 100.0
Total 200 100.0 100.0
69. 69
Do you have a personal feeling towards your trees when sick
Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative
Percent
Valid
Yes 142 71.0 71.4 71.4
No 57 28.5 28.6 100.0
Total 199 99.5 100.0
Missing System 1 .5
Total 200 100.0
Do you ever feel sad if the trees look sick
Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative
Percent
Valid
Yes 130 65.0 65.7 65.7
No 68 34.0 34.3 100.0
Total 198 99.0 100.0
Missing System 2 1.0
Total 200 100.0
Why do you feel sad when trees are sick
Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative Percent
Valid
Loss of its resources 50 25.0 53.2 53.2
For its fruits 34 17.0 36.2 89.4
Lack of ventilation 9 4.5 9.6 98.9
For its beauty 1 .5 1.1 100.0
Total 94 47.0 100.0
Missing System 106 53.0
Total 200 100.0
70. 70
Do you fear domestication of urban forests
Frequency Percent Valid Percent
Valid
Yes 35 17.5 17.6
No 164 82.0 82.4
Total 199 99.5 100.0
Missing System 1 .5
Total 200 100.0
Frequency tables showing threats against urban forests
Major threats against urban forest
Frequency Percent Valid
Percent
Cumulative
Percent
Valid
Use as firewood 35 17.5 18.2 18.2
Inadequate Govt.
Participation
9 4.5 4.7 22.9
Illegal cutting/lumbering 20 10.0 10.4 33.3
Bush burning 16 8.0 8.3 41.7
Urban expansion 110 55.0 57.3 99.0
Lack of knowledge 2 1.0 1.0 100.0
Total 192 96.0 100.0
Missing System 8 4.0
Total 200 100.0
71. 71
If No what is the reason for its non-existence
Frequency Percent Valid
Percent
Cumulative
Percent
Valid
Urban expansion 139 69.5 92.7 92.7
Urban agriculture 5 2.5 3.3 96.0
Over hunting of
animals
1 .5 .7 96.7
Bush burning 5 2.5 3.3 100.0
Total 150 75.0 100.0
Missing System 50 25.0
Total 200 100.0
Has urban forest density decreased in recent years
Frequency Percent Valid Percent
Valid
Yes 176 88.0 88.4
No 23 11.5 11.6
Total 199 99.5 100.0
Missing System 1 .5
Total 200 100.0
Have your ever witnessed intentional cutting of trees
Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative
Percent
Valid
Yes 183 91.5 92.0 92.0
No 16 8.0 8.0 100.0
Total 199 99.5 100.0
Missing System 1 .5
Total 200 100.0
72. 72
Have you ever witnessed natural uprooting of trees
Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative
Percent
Valid
Yes 139 69.5 69.5 69.5
No 61 30.5 30.5 100.0
Total 200 100.0 100.0
If yes why was the tree cut down
Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative
Percent
Valid
To control the growth of the
tree
31 15.5 16.6 16.6
For agricultural purposes 20 10.0 10.7 27.3
For firewood 17 8.5 9.1 36.4
For construction of building 119 59.5 63.6 100.0
Total 187 93.5 100.0
Missing System 13 6.5
Total 200 100.0
73. 73
APPENDIX III: QUESTIONNAIRE
DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY, OBAFEMI AWOLOWO UNIVERSITY,
ILE-IFE.
QUESTIONNAIRE TO ACCESS THE VALUES AND CHALLENGES OF
URBAN FORESTS IN IFE EAST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, OSUN
STATE, NIGERIA
This questionnaire is to collect information on the values and challenges of urban forests in the area. It
is meant for academic exercise and any information supplied will be treated as such.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
1. Name of street: _____________________________________
2. Sex: male ( ) female ( )
3. Age: 21-40 ( ) 41-60 ( ) 60 and above ( )
4. Level of education: No formal education ( ) Primary ( ) Secondary ( ) Tertiary ( )
5. Occupation: Civil servant ( ) Hunter ( ) Farmer ( ) Trading ( ) Driver ( ) _________
6. Religion: Christian ( ) Muslim ( ) Traditional ( )
VALUES OF URBAN FOREST
1. Do breeze from trees help as air pollution removal? (a) Yes (b) No
2. Do the trees protect the watershed from drying up? (a) Yes (b) No
3. Do trees help bring in cooler air temperatures during the dry season? (a) Yes (b) No
4. Do trees increase cold during the wet season? (a) Yes (b) No
5. Do trees help in improving health (a) Yes (b) No
6. If Yes, in what ways? (a) Through physical exercise (b) Air pollution removal (c) Source of cool
breeze (d) medicinal values
7. Have you ever used tree products (leaves, roots and barks) to cure diseases? (a) Yes (b) No
8. If Yes, what diseases? Mention as many as possible.
(SPACE FOR DISEASE HEALED WITH HERBS):
74. 74
9. Kindly mention the trees (leaves, roots and barks) used to heal the diseases mentioned?
(SPACE FOR NAME OF TREES USED):
10. Did you plant the trees around your house? (a) Yes (b) No
11. Please name the trees around your house/compound?
12. Why did you plant the tree(s) around your house? Choose as many as possible (a) to provide
shade/shelter b) To serve as wind-breakers (c) To serve as play-ground for my children (d) For
logging activities (e) To protect the ground from erosion. (f) Sacred tree (g) for its fruits.
13. How old are the tree (s) around your house? (a) <5 years (b) 5-10 years (c) 10-15 years
14. Is there any sacred tree / groove in this area? (a) Yes (b) No
15. If Yes, why was it declared sacred? (a) Worship centre (b) Hunting forest (c) To preserve the
vegetation.
16. Is there an existing game reserve in this area? (a) Yes (b) No
17. If No, what is the reason for its non-existence? (a) urban expansion (b) urban agricultural
activities (c) Over-hunting of animals
18. Do you have a personal feeling towards your trees when it is hurt or destroyed? (a) Yes (b) No
19. Do you ever feel sad if the trees look sick? (a) Yes (b) No
20. If Yes, why? Mention your reasons.
(SPACE FOR REASONS):
75. 75
21. Do you fear domestication of urban trees? (a) Yes (b) No
22. If Yes, what are your reasons? (a) It harbours dangerous animals (b) it may harbour evil spirits
(c) Because of environmental hazard.
23. Has urban forest density decreased in recent years? (a) Yes (b) No
24. What is the major threat against the urban forests? (a) use as fire wood (b) Poor soil fertility (c)
Inadequate Govt. participation (d) Illegal cutting/Lumbering (e) Bush burning (f) Competition
with urban agriculture (g) urban Expansion
25. Have you ever witnessed intentional or unintentional cutting of trees? (a) Yes (b) No
26. If Yes, why? (a) To control the growth of the tree (b) To speed up regeneration (c) For agricultural
purposes (d) For construction of building. (e)To prevent its root destroying the building (f) For
firewood
27. Have you ever witnessed any natural uprooting of trees before? (a) Yes (b) No
28. If Yes, what was the cause? (a) Thunderstorm (b) Heavy rain (c) Heavy-wind.
Thanks a lot.
