Urban trees forest management in Abeokuta Metropolis, Ogun State, Nigeria An application of contingent valuation method

Purpose-The purpose of this paper is to investigate urban tree forest utilisation and management through application of contingency valuation approach in Ogun State, Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach-A total of 120 respondents residing in Abeokuta Metropolis were randomly sampled. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics, probit and Tobit regression analyses. Findings-Results revealed that respondents demonstrated willingness to pay (WTP) monthly for management of urban trees. Larger percentage (94.0 per cent) of the respondents benefited from shade, 48.0 per cent benefited from reduction of pollution while 76.7 per cent benefited from prevention from harsh weather. Results of probit analysis revealed lower probability of WTP for urban tree management among older respondents (p<0.1); while females respondents had a higher probability of payment for tree management (p<0.05). In the same vein, younger respondents (p<0.05) as well as higher income earners (p<0.01) exhibited more WTP for urban trees management. Research limitations/implications-The study concluded that trees were an invaluable environmental asset among urban households, while the households also demonstrated strong willingness to manage and sustain their uses. Practical implications-Older respondents need to be further enlightened on sustainable management of urban trees for environmental stabilisation and provision of aesthetic benefits. Originality/value-This paper introduces an innovative technique to the valuation of urban tree and brought to the fore, importance attached to trees as a non-market environmental commodity.