Determinants of tree planting and retention behaviour of homeowners in built-up urban areas of Ghana

Abstract

Urban forestry provides diverse ecosystem services to urban dwellers. However, urban forestry in Ghana has received little attention and investment over the years. The objectives of this study were to assess the socio-economic factors that influence homeowners’ perceptions of the ecosystem services provided by trees and to determine the factors that affect tree planting and retention decisions in built-up urban areas. Questionnaires were used to collect data from homeowners in three regional capital cities in Ghana (Kumasi: N = 205, Sunyani: N = 200; Cape Coast = 200). A binary logit model and MANOVA were applied to the data set of these 605 homeowners. The results of the binary logit model indicated that the age of the homeowner was significant (P = 0.009) and negatively related to the decision to plant or retain existing trees. Monthly income (P < 0.001), housing type (P = 0.042) and ethnicity (P = 0.089) were significant and positively related to the tree planting and retention decisions of the homeowners. The geographical location (city), gender and marital status significantly influenced homeowners' perceptions of the ecosystem services provided by urban trees.