Urban green spaces in kara city (Togo): Typology and community expectations

Urban green spaces (UGS) are essential to ensure the quality of life and fulfillment of city dwellers. There is a growing interest in research investigating the association between green space and climate resilience in urban area. This study aims to inventory both formal and informal green spaces in Kara, the second-largest city in Togo, and to analyze the characteristics expected by the local population. The photo-interpretation method was used to find UGSs, using very high-resolution satellite images under Google Earth Pro software. For each UGS found, the surface areas were determined using GPS forms. The proportion of UGSs per habitant was established in comparison with the standard defined by the Word Health Organization (WHO). In additional, a survey from 373 informants was carried out the challenges of UGSs sustainability, including local community needs. The results show that Kara city has 39 green spaces, ranging in size from 0.1 hectares to 5.59 hectares. These are mainly building greens spaces (51.3%), natural and semi-natural areas (28.2%), trees lining the roads (17.9%), and parks and recreation (2.6%). Per capita green space calculated was 0.2 square meters, very low compared with the threshold of 10 square meters per inhabitant recommended by the WHO. Despite their small size, the green spaces in this town are still very important. Local community expected eight (08) challenges of UGS project, including accessibility, cleanliness and the availability of development infrastructures (safety, lighting, drinking fountains, walking routes, shaded areas and children’s playgrounds). It is therefore important for municipal authorities to give much more attention to green spaces in future urban development plans.