Dr Effects of Tree Species on Mental Wellbeing and Physical Health Conditions of Community Dwellers around Oluyole Forest Environment, Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed the effects of tree species on mental wellbeing and physical among community dwellers in the selected study area. A three-stage procedure was employed for sampling of the study with 1^st stage being a purposive selection of 4 wards selected from 10 wards in Oluyole Municipality. The 2^nd stage was systematic selection of houses from each ward and the 3^rd stage was a random selection of 2 household heads from selected houses with a final sample size of 82 respondents. Structured questionnaires were used to obtain data for the study. Data was analysed with frequencies, percentages, Chi square, PPMC and linear regression. Majority of household heads were mostly male (72.0%), active age (67.6%), had tertiary education (61.0%), were indigene (64.6%) and about 46.3% practiced farming as major occupation. Different trees species were identified with most residents having benefited and agreeing to their impact on their health. The ethnicity (χ²=5.109) and land acquisition (χ²=8.064) had significant association with perceived impact of trees on residents’ health at α_0.05. In addition, age, marital status were extant factors that influenced the dependent variable. Policy instrument of government through incentives to residents’ participation in conservation practices and clogging sharp practices of government officials would suffice for optimal benefits of community trees.