TREE PLANTING IN IBADAN METROPOLIS AS AN INDICATION OF CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION

Urban tree planting is a vital strategy for mitigating the effects of climate change, particularly in rapidly urbanizing areas like Ibadan, Nigeria. This study addresses the challenge of urban heat islands and air pollution, exacerbated by increasing deforestation and inadequate green spaces. The study aims to understand the determinants influencing residents' adoption of tree planting practices. Using a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 450 households across five urban local government areas (South-West, North, Akinyele, North-East, and South-East) with the use of structured questionnaires which assessed awareness, perceptions, and factors motivating tree planting in Ibadan metropolis. The findings revealed a strong awareness of climate change, with residents citing benefits like shade, improved air quality, and aesthetic enhancement as key motivators for planting trees. A logistic regression analysis identified significant predictors, including environmental awareness and access to resources, which positively influenced participation in tree planting activities. This study concludes that enhancing public education and providing accessible resources are critical for increasing urban forestry participation. This implies that community-driven actions are pivotal in promoting sustainable urban environments and mitigating climate change. It is therefore recommended that targeted campaigns and government support should be enacted to increase tree planting, thereby enhancing urban resilience to climate change.