Urban Forestry and Green Spaces Ecosystem Services Management: Satisfaction with Ecological and Recreational Quality of Greeneries in Ugandan Cities

With the high rate of deforestation and forest degradation in both rural and urban Uganda, understanding societal (youth) opinions regarding the state of affairs is vital. This study examined preferred ecosystems services and perceived satisfaction with the urban forestry and green spaces on urban livelihood, welfare, resilience, and environmental sustainability in four Ugandan cities: Kampala, Fort Portal, Mbarara, and Gulu. It explored the factors associated with youth satisfaction regarding the number of urban green spaces and parks. This study surveyed 501 responses using an online questionnaire, which were subjected to descriptive and ordered logit regression analysis. Descriptive results revealed that, whereas about 66% of participants expressed satisfaction with current urban parks, about 70% were keenly engaged in urban initiatives. A noteworthy 99% of the respondents expressed support for increased investment in green spaces and parks. The regression results demonstrated that Ugandan youths’ satisfaction with city green spaces and parks is predominantly driven by quality over quantity. A preference for biodiversity services was positively and very significantly connected to public satisfaction with the number of greenery spaces. On the contrary, a preference for air quality benefits echoed un-met ecological prospects, leading to lower satisfaction. Youths’ quality expectations appeared as the single most powerful predictor of satisfaction. Likewise, vigorous public participation in tree planting, vibrant youth outdoor engagement, and women’s involvement positively and significantly enhanced public satisfaction with the number of greenery spaces. Ultimately, urban investments and environmental awareness campaigns did not directly relate to satisfaction. Apart from income, demographics did not show any significant association with satisfaction. Urban planners in Uganda ought to focus on society-centered, biodiversity-rich, and functionally maintained urban forestry strategies.