Assessment of the Factors Influencing the Practice of Land Trusts in Open Space Management in Keffi, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Amidst rapid urban expansion and increasing pressure on public lands, land trusts have emerged as a potential mechanism for conserving and managing open spaces to promote ecological balance, recreational use, and urban resilience. Hence, the study investigated the factors influencing the practice of land trusts in the management of open spaces in Keffi, Nasarawa State, Nigeria. The research adopted a survey research design to assess the factors associated with the practice of land trust organizations in protecting and maintaining open spaces in the study area. The findings revealed that land trusts have the potential to play a significant role in preserving and managing open spaces, but their adoption is based on specific factors amongst which includes the conservation and management objectives of the land trust group, the basic goals and objectives of conservation as well as community/stakeholder involvement and participation. The study highlighted the need for a more collaborative and sustainable approach to open space management, involving government agencies, land trusts agencies and more stakeholder participation/involvement in order to ensure adequate management of open spaces. Recommendations are offered for Government, policymakers, and stakeholders to optimize the use of land trusts in fostering sustainable urban development in Keffi and similar urbanizing contexts via capacity building, funding, increased awareness, collaboration as well as the development and implementation of favourable policies that supports the operation of land trusts for open space management in the country.