JOURNAL OF CURRENT DISCOURSE AND RESEARCH (JCDR)

ESTIMATION OF HOUSEHOLDS’ WILLINGNESS TO PAY FOR ECOSYSTEM SERVICES OF URBAN FOREST IN SELECTED NIGERIAN CITIES

Abstract

This study examined households’ willingness-to-pay for urban forest restoration and conservation in selected Nigerian cities. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire and interview guide. Three hundred (300) copies of the questionnaire were administered to 100 respondents in each of the urban areas (Akure, Ado Ekiti and Osogbo metropolis). The results reveal that 259 respondents (86%) were willing to pay between ₦2,100.00 (1.5USD) to ₦3,360.00 (2.4USD) monthly for ecosystem services and conservation of urban forest resources. The total mean monthly willingness-to-pay for the 86.33% population for ecosystem services and conservation of urban forests in these three cities was estimated as Akure ₦1,524,157,250.00 (US$1,088,683.75); Ado Ekiti ₦836,106,054.00 (US$597,218.61) and Osogbo ₦1,602,629,602.00 (US$1,144,735.43). Respondents valued ecosystem services produced by the urban forests so highly that they are willing to contribute part of their income to ensure the continued ecosystem benefits from the urban forests. Research of this nature could form the basis for which information is generated and canvased for dialogue with the urban population in order to make urban forestry participatory and sustainable.