Abstract
Universities all over the world have green spaces (GS) as an integral part of their campuses because of the significant benefits derived from them. Aside enhancing the image of universities, GS influence the academic performance of students by reducing stress. This paper examines the preferences and uses of green spaces on UCC campus by Non-African foreign students (NAFS). Data was collected through in-depth interviews, observations and by the use of Arc-GIS 10.1 software. Sixteen NAFS were interviewed during the second semester of the 2013/2014 academic year. It was found out that the usage of GS was influenced by factors such as easy access to Wi-Fi connectivity, proximity of GS to lecture and residential facilities, fresh air they provide, the aesthetic nature of those spaces, and the quiet/serene environment they offer. The respondents also lamented on the use of GS as pathways by other users. Hence, the study recommends that future development plans of the university in terms of siting of lecture theatres and residential facilities should be green space friendly.
Author Bio(s)
YAW ASAMOAH
Yaw is a Principal Research Assistant (PRA) at the Department of Geography and Regional Planning (DGRP) in the University of Cape Coast (UCC) with research interest in environmental and natural resource management, as well as climate change and water-related conflicts.
ISHMEAL MENSAH
A PhD holder in Tourism from UCC, and a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management of the same university as well as post-graduate certificates in Hospitality Administration and Event Planning & Tradeshow Management from Georgia State University. His research interests include environmental management in the hospitality industry, service quality management, roots tourism, and tourism marketing.
ADAMS OSMAN
A Senior Research Assistant in the Department of Geography and Regional Planning. Research interests are in areas of spatial planning, coastal management, risk assessment and cartography.
PAUL BAIDOO
As a Lecturer at the Department of Geography and Regional Planning, UCC, Ghana and a Fulbright Senior Research Scholar at the St. Cloud State University, MN, USA, Paul has interest in Development and Environment, Geopolitics, Agriculture and Food Security, and Resource Management.
AKOSUA BOATEMAA AMEYAW-AKUMFI
Currently an Mphil student with the Department of Geography and Regional Planning, University of Cape Coast. Have specific interest in urban/rural green spaces and rural transport.
COLLINS ADJEI MENSAH
A lecturer at the Department of Geography and Regional Planning, and a PhD holder from the University of Birmingham, UK. Collins was awarded in 2015 by the International Social Science Council as a World Social Science Fellow in the area of Sustainable Urbanisation. His research interests are in the areas of Urban Planning, Public and Green Space Management, and Environmental Sustainability.
