Perception of Urban Trees at Main Campus of University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria

• F.D. Babalola

  Department of Forest Resources Management, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria.

  Author

• I.A. Raji

  Department of Forest Resources Management, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria.

  Author

Trees exist as part of urban setting in different parts of the world; however, there is inadequate information on people’s perception about urban trees within their immediate environment. This study therefore assessed perception of people on trees at main campus of University of Ilorin. A stratified sampling technique was adopted to survey trees on the campus, while structured questionnaire was administered on staff and traders on campus. A total of 2,468 trees were surveyed on the campus, comprising of 54 different species. More than half of the respondents indicated their preferences for shade producing trees (59.7%) and trees producing edible fruits (59.7%). Majority of the respondents agreed that they love to be (91.2%) and prefer to work (74.8%) in tree environment. However, less than half (41.3%) agreed that having trees around office environment can improve job satisfaction. On the environmental services provided by the campus trees, 84.8% agreed that the tree can mitigate the effect of climate change; 84.9% agreed that the trees help to purify air quality, 68.7% disagreed or did not know if trees can help to reduce noise pollution, and only 37.7% agreed that tree on the campus can serve as anti-stress. Majority of the respondents (91.7%) agreed to the assertion that trees should be managed to obtain its full benefits (p=0.03, χ2=39.05). For the management of trees on campus to be effective, there is a need for more awareness creation on benefits of trees, and participation of relevant stakeholders in management strategy.

1. F.D. Babalola, Department of Forest Resources Management, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria.

   Department of Forest Resources Management, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria.

2. I.A. Raji, Department of Forest Resources Management, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria.

   Department of Forest Resources Management, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria.

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