Predicting readiness to plant trees in urban settings: an adaptation of the ecological model among a cohort of nigerian workers

ABSTRACT The need for urban greening is more evident in the African context because Africa is poised to become the global hub of urbanisation. This makes it crucial especially for urban African dwellers to be favourably disposed towards tree-planting. The socio-ecological model (SEM) affords a fine framework for understanding the importance of psychosocial and cultural variables. Hence, a socio-ecological model of Readiness to Plant Trees (RPT) which encompasses self-efficacy, interpersonal drive towards tree-planting, perceived prevalence of tree-planting and ethnic attitudes towards tree-planting was developed and tested. Data collection, using survey design and composite measures, featured a self-administered structured-questionnaire among 400 randomly sampled federal civil servants in Ibadan, Nigeria. Stepwise multiple linear regression was used to evaluate the predictors and correlates of RPT. Interpersonal drive and ethnic attitudes were significant predictors and explained 34.3% of the variation in RPT (multiple R = 0.585; R2 = 0.343; p < 0.001). Perceived prevalence is not a significant predictor, but it has a significant and positive relationship with RPT. Self-efficacy is not a significant predictor and also maintained an insignificant and negative relationship with RPT. This partly-novel socio-ecological model of RPT is largely apt in explaining and ultimately instilling RPT.