Utilization Patterns of Urban Green Infrastructure in Southern Ethiopia

Urban green infrastructure provides multi-functional socio-economic and environmental benefits and promotes physical, relaxation, and the social activities of the urban residents. This paper analyses the pattern of utilization of urban green infrastructure in Southern Ethiopia. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, key informant interview and focus group discussion. The collected data also analysed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA. The majority (78%) of the respondents visit green corridors in Hawassa. 68% of respondents visit parks in Wolayita Sodo, while, 62% of the respondents visited home garden in Bodity town. There is an overall significant (0.000) variation in the utilization of green infrastructures among urban centres. Based on Post-Hoc Test there is a statistically significant (p = 0.017) difference in the utilisation of green infrastructure in between Hawassa city and Wolayita Sodo as well as between Hawassa and Bodity town (p = 0.000), but there was no significant (p = 0.113) difference between Wolayita Sodo and Bodity town. Majority (34.6%, 31.6% and 32.4%) of respondents visit Lakeshore, Junior Park, and Bodity Stadium in Hawassa, Wolayita Sodo and Bodity town respectively. Green corridors in Hawassa, urban parks in Wolayita Sodo and Bodity Stadium in Bodity town was the most frequently visited GI types. Recreational, physical and social activities were the main reasons for visiting urban green infrastructure in the study area. The pattern of utilization of green infrastructure types varies significantly among the three urban centres. Urban planners, designers, and ecologists, therefore, need to focus on urban green infrastructure planning, strategies to promote the utilization of green infrastructure in the urban environment sustainably.

Keywords
Pattern of Utilization; Urban Green infrastructure; Visitors; Green /parks