Urban Forest Development in West Africa: Benefits and Challenges

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 fuelwood. The growing population and rapid urbanization occasioned by demographic switch from rural to urban society is outstripping the planning and carrying capacity of municipal authorities in West Africa. West African population increased from 132.2 million in 1980 to 234.0 million in 2000 and projected to attain 344.0 million by 2020. This study assessed development of urban forestry, evaluated the effect of population growth on urban forests landscape and designed innovative strategies that will ensure sustainability and improvement of urban living environment. Urban forestry development was investigated through secondary data, directed enquiries to relevant stakeholders, on-the-spot assessment and observations of urban and peri-urban forest facilities in selected West African cities. The result revealed that numerous environmental and material benefits are derived from urban forests in West Africa. The types of tree species planted for landscape enhancement, environmental protection and other benefits varied with ecological zones and cultural values. 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, Delonix regia, species of palm, etc were common in tropical rainforest zone. Rapid urban population growth, limited land area, and poor implementation of government policies are some factors affecting urban forests development in West Africa. To ensure sustainable development, forest management technique that accommodates human, social, political, cultural and economic factors should be adopted. Political goodwill should be secured while appropriate social awareness should be promoted to guarantee that forest initiatives are upheld.