Urban green spaces in Africa: Nature and challenges

Abstract

Green spaces constitute a major environmental resource of urban landscape. In Africa, statistics show that urban green spaces are depleting at an alarming rate with green spaces now occupying small proportion of the landmass of several urban areas. This paper sought to give a broad discussion on the nature and challenges behind the deterioration and poor management of urban green spaces in Africa. The paper adapted the systematic review approach and utilized publications that focused on or related to urban green spaces in the African sub-region. Among the major findings of the paper were that the nature and distribution of green spaces in Africa is influenced by the ecological zones and climate conditions of Africa. The challenges uncovered to hinder the development of green spaces in Africa included the following: rapid urbanisation, low resource base of institutions on green spaces, lack of priority to green spaces, corruption, uncooperative attitudes of the local people and political instability. To address these challenges, joint and committed efforts by national governments, city authorities and the local people to preserve these spaces is crucial. Green spaces should be treated as among the top priorities of the development agenda of urban planning authorities with the allied institutions managing green spaces well-resourced to go about their activities as expected of them