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Impact of COVID-19 Lock-Downs on Nature Connection in Southern and Eastern Africa

Author

Listed:
  • Ju-hyoung Lee

    (Department of Forest Resources, Yeungnam University, 280 Daehak-ro, Gyeongsan 38541, Korea)

  • Madalitso Mkandawire

    (Kasungu District Agriculture Office, Kasungu P.O. Box 17, Malawi)

  • Patrick Niyigena

    (Rwanda Youth in Agribusiness Forum, KG 569 Street, Kigali P.O. Box 7202, Rwanda)

  • Abonisiwe Xotyeni

    (Park Chung Hee School of Policy and Saemaul (PSPS), Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Korea)

  • Edwin Itamba

    (Statistics and Logistic Officer, Sengerema District Council, Mwanza P.O. Box 175, Tanzania)

  • Sylvester Siame

    (Forestry Department, Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, Lusaka P.O. Box 50042, Zambia)

Abstract

The response of African countries immediately after the COVID-19 pandemic declaration was rapid and appropriate, with low infections and mortality rates until June 2020. Severe lock-down measures were effective in Africa; however, the reduction in the amount of natural experience influences the quality of life in modern society. This study is conducted as an international comparative study in five African countries on changes in the perception of health recovery and outdoor activities in urban forests during the COVID-19 pandemic. An online survey was conducted with 430 respondents to investigate the relationships between COVID-19 stress, indoor activity, appreciation of greenspaces, perception of health recovery, and use of greenspaces. A structural equation model was used for analysis. The visit frequency and staying time in urban forests after lock-down dramatically decreased, raising concerns about nature-deficit disorder across the target countries after the end of the pandemic. This study confirmed urban dwellers’ desire for natural experiences and health recovery during the pandemic and predicts an explosive increase in urban forest utilization after the pandemic has ended.

Suggested Citation

  • Ju-hyoung Lee & Madalitso Mkandawire & Patrick Niyigena & Abonisiwe Xotyeni & Edwin Itamba & Sylvester Siame, 2022. "Impact of COVID-19 Lock-Downs on Nature Connection in Southern and Eastern Africa," Land, MDPI, vol. 11(6), pages 1-16, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:11:y:2022:i:6:p:872-:d:834374
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    5. Rice, William L. & Mateer, Tim & Taff, B. Derrick & Lawhon, Ben & Reigner, Nathan & Newman, Peter, 2020. "Longitudinal changes in the outdoor recreation community’s reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic: Final report on a three-phase national survey of outdoor enthusiasts," SocArXiv gnjcy, Center for Open Science.
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