Comparing Green Space Per Capita In Selected South-Western States of Nigeria

Abstract

The expansion of cities has led to severe depleting impacts on their green areas. Many studies have reported the consequences of green spaces occupying a tiny percentage of the total land space, such as flooding, bad air quality and surface impermeability. This study aims to Comparing Green Space Per Capita in Selected South-Western States of Nigeria, with the view to determining their difference(s) with the recommended minimum green space per capita of the United Nations and World Health Organisation to establish surplus or deficit differences in green space areas in Akure and Osogbo for the years 2000, 2005, 2010 and 2015. The TM sensor has taken the images for years. They were obtained from the United States Geological Survey (Earth Explorer), where they were already radiometrically and geometrically corrected through the Level 1 T Product Generation System (LPGS). The area's population was derived from the National Population Commission (1991 and 2006), and projections were made for the corresponding years. The green space per capita was calculated by dividing the total green space in m2 by the population. Pearson Product Moment Correlation was used to establish the relationship between green space per capita and time. A bar chart was used to present the result, and a comparison with the recommended minimum green space per capita of the United Nations and World Health Organisation was made to establish a surplus or deficit. Results showed that the green space per capita of Akure and Osogbo surpassed the United Nations and World Health Organisation minimum standards. Also, the green space per capita and time had a strong and negative correlation for Akure and Osogbo. The study concludes by suggesting the exercise of caution in depleting green space, the use of planning machinery like development control to ensure compliance with planning approval and massive tree planting.