Vol.22No.3 2019 AJPSSI AFRICAN JOURNAL FOR THE PSYCHOLOGICAL STUDY OF SOCIAL ISSUES Page | 126 AWARENESS AND PERCEPTION OF URBAN FORESTRY AND GREENING AMONG DWELLERS IN IBADAN METROPOLIS- AN IMPLICATION FOR PSYCHOLOGICAL WELLBEING TOKEDE, A. M; BANJO, A. A; AHMAD, A.O. OGUNSOLA, A. J. and OYEWALE, G. O. abioduntokede2014@yahoo.com Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, Jericho, Ibadan ABSTRACT One out of the many natural components with multiple functions is urban forestry and greening. It plays important roles in social, cultural, economic and landscape enhancement. It also provides recreational facilities, as well as environmental development of urban dwellers in Nigeria as a whole and Ibadan in particular. Apart from all these benefits, a forest experience is considered to be an approach to promoting positive moods in modern urban dwellers, which is important in relieving depression and other common mental health problems. This study was undertaken to ascertain the level of awareness and perception of Ibadan urban dwellers about the psychological implication of urban forestry and greening. One hundred (100) questionnaires were administered to the respondents to assess their awareness and perception of urban forestry and greening in fostering psychological wellbeing. The study reveals that dwellers in Ibadan Metropolis are aware of the fact that urban forestry and greening improve psychological well-being and promote positive moods. Despite their awareness and perception, the result of the study reveals that the practice of urban forestry and greening has not been well embraced. Therefore, this study put forward some recommendations to promote the practice of urban forestry and greening among the dwellers. Keywords: Urban forestry, Greening, Psychological well-being, Perception and Awareness INTRODUCTION The rapid urbanization and growing world population occasioned by the demographic switch from rural to urban have led to the destruction and disappearance of the natural forest ecosystem and a threat to forest resources. Increased urban dwellers and wide spread deforestation caused by human activities have also impacted negatively on the forest ecosystem, thus arousing serious concern globally (Fuwape and Onyekwelu, 2011; United Nation, 2007). The increase in the rate of construction and industrial activities has led to so much forest exploitation in the urban areas, hence the advocacy for urban forestry. The 2019- 2024 Canadian Urban Forest Strategy (CUFS) defines urban forestry as “the sustained planning, planting, protection, maintenance, management and care of trees, forests, green space along with related resources in and around cities as well as communities for economic, environmental, social, and public health benefits for people. Like many modern societies, Ibadan city is urbanizing rapidly. Forest is an important resource for the millions of urbanites seeking more quality of life; hence the need to introduce forest to the urban areas in the form of urban forestry is crucial. Extensive research has provided empirical evidence that a forest experience or the viewing of forest scenes contributes to reducing stress, promoting more positive moods and feelings and possibly it may facilitate recovery from illness (Ulrich, 1984, Cimprich, 1993, Shin, 1993, Shin, 1996 and Shin, 2007). The therapeutic effects of urban forest can be considered to be the results of a health treatment in a forest environment. It is possible that a forest and green environment may provide opportunities which foster the establishment of more efficient and active behavior, thereby enhancing mental and physical health and psychological functioning. Most of the studies carried out to date (Urich, Simons, Losito, Florito, Miles and Zelson, 1991), appraised the values of forest-related clinical programs in improving the effective performance of delinquents, in- and out-patients of psychiatric institutions, including emotionally disturbed children, alcohol abusers, or people with other clinical mental health problems. It also plays a vital role in the enhancement of human well-being given the social benefits and recreational opportunities they offer for inhabitants (Tyrvainen, Ojala, Korpela and Lanki, 2014).