Influence of green infrastructure on residents' self-perceived health benefits in Lagos metropolis, Nigeria

Abstract

There is a growing body of knowledge on the health benefits of green infrastructure (GI) in the built environment. However, the aspects of GI with the most significant positive influence on human health, especially in densely populated cities in sub-Saharan Africa have not been adequately investigated. This study relied on household survey involving 1560 residents to explore the influence of GI on residents' self-perceived health benefits in Lagos Metropolis, Nigeria. The data were analysed using descriptive and multiple regression analyses. The findings revealed that around 42% of the respondents had visited green spaces more than any other type of GI, and that this had positive influence on their perceived physical, mental and psychological health and wellbeing. Access to parks; availability of well-equipped green spaces; condition, adequacy and proximity of green areas to residents' emerged as the key aspects with the most significant influence on their perceived health benefits of GI in the neighbourhoods. This study concludes that for urban population to derive maximum health benefits from GI, more attention should be given to issues of accessibility, quantity, quality and location in the provision and management of GI in urban neighbourhoods in Nigeria and beyond.