URBAN RESIDENTS’ PERCEPTION AND WILLINGNESS TO PAY FOR PUBLIC GREEN SPACES IN LIRA CITY.
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Date
2025
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Gulu University
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Urban public green spaces play an essential role in enhancing environmental sustainability,
social well-being, and economic vibrancy within cities. However, rapid urbanization across
Sub-Saharan Africa, including Uganda, has placed increasing pressure on these spaces, leading
to their degradation and conversion for other uses. This study examined urban residents’
perceptions and willingness to pay (WTP) for public green spaces in Lira City, and further
analyzed how proximity to these spaces influences surrounding land values.
A cross-sectional mixed-methods design was employed. Data were collected from 397
households, 60 property owners, and key informants, including city officials, planners, and
green space managers. Structured questionnaires and contingent valuation methods were
applied to capture quantitative insights, while interviews provided qualitative depth.
Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, as well as binary and multinomial
logistic regression in SPSS and STATA. Qualitative data were thematically analyzed.
Findings revealed that awareness of public green spaces was high (97.5%), though frequent
usage was limited. Residents valued green spaces highly, especially for environmental
(M=4.32) and recreational (M=4.11) benefits, with a composite perception index mean of 4.01.
Socio-demographic factors had a limited influence on perceptions, with education showing a
modest effect. Willingness-to-pay analysis indicated that 67.5% of respondents were prepared
to contribute financially, with income being a strong predictor of WTP. Reasons for
unwillingness included mistrust in fund management and economic constraints. Regarding
property dynamics, respondents living closer to Mayor’s Garden and Akii-Bua Stadium
reported positive impacts on land values, a finding confirmed through multinomial logistic
regression, which showed that proximity significantly increased the likelihood of perceived
property value appreciation.
The study concludes that public green spaces are highly valued by residents, both socially and
economically, but their sustainability depends on adequate financing, inclusive planning, and
effective governance. It recommends strengthening institutional commitment, promoting
community participation, and adopting innovative financing mechanisms such as publicprivate
partnerships to support maintenance and enhancement. These insights contribute to
evidence-based urban planning and policy, reinforcing the role of green spaces in achieving
sustainable city development in Uganda and other rapidly urbanizing contexts in Sub-Saharan
Africa.