Architectural Strategies For Curbing Deforestation In Nigeria: A Review

Abstract

Deforestation has been having far-reaching adverse impacts on the natural ecosystem, biodiversity and contributes to climate change by depleting forest resources that help to absorb vast amounts of CO₂ and other greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. In recognition of the benefits of forests in contributing to nearly all the Sustainable Development Goals, world leaders from various countries, including Nigeria, at the United Nations yearly Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP) pledged to end deforestation, reverse forest loss and land degradation by 2030. Following from this, the different professions in the built environment and other sectors are reappraising their roles in combatting deforestation and contributing to the global sustainability agenda. Therefore, aim of this study is to examine the role of architecture in curbing or slowing down the rate of deforestation in Nigeria. The key research question this paper seeks to answer is: How can architecture contribute to slowing down the rate of deforestation in Nigeria in pursuant of the COP resolution of bringing global warming at 1.5⁰C target by the year 2030? This study was based on a systematic review of literature, anecdotal evidence and interactions with professionals in the built environment. The paper highlighted the causes and effects of deforestation on the built environment as well as strategies for preventing or mitigating its effects from the perspective of architecture. The findings revealed that agricultural practices are the major direct cause of deforestation while overpopulation and poverty ranked the major indirect cause of deforestation in Nigeria. Findings also showed that climate change and climate imbalance is the major effects of deforestation on the built environment. Strategies for checking or slowing down the rate of deforestation in Nigeria were identified with recommendations on how to reverse the trend through architectural design principles and practice in Nigeria.