FACTORIZING RESIDENTS’ PERCEPTION AND UTILIZATION OF THE AVAILABLE GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE IN OSOGBO

This work examines the factors of green infrastructure perception and utilization in Osogbo, Southwestern Nigeria. Primary and secondary data were used. Multistage sampling technique was also employed; Osogbo residential area was stratified into core, intermediate and suburban zones, (6) political wards out of (24) were selected across the zones and streets were also identified and systematically selected with the aid of Google Earth. (212) copies of questionnaire were administered on the 10th house head; (10%) of the total number of households). Correlation analysis was used in examining the association among socioeconomic characteristics, spatial, personal/social and economic factors. Kendall (τ) and Pearson’s correlations (r) were used in analyzing the categorical and continuous data respectively. The work reveals shortage and uneven distribution of green infrastructure, classified the factors affecting residents’ perception and utilization of green infrastructure as socio-economic, spatial, personal/social, level of satisfaction derived and rapid urbanization. It recommends provision and equitable distribution of green infrastructure, design and sustainable enforcement of eco-friendly master plan, collaboration among all levels of government, private bodies as well as environmental education.