Authors: A.A. Azeez and M. O. Adedire
Abstract
Majority of the people in the developing countries are poor and have an urgent need for the basic necessities of reasonable quality of life: adequate food, shelter, potable water and jobs. Urban forests can provide a significant portion of these needs.
As noted by World Bank (1999) approximately 90% of the poorest people rely on forests for subsistence and income. Urban forests can be set aside for food production, timber for shelter and fodder for livestock. This paper highlights the issue of deforestation as a result of growing poverty among the populace. It discussed the usefulness of urban forestry in providing employment and environmental sustainability.