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Review

Green Belts in Africa: A Diagnostic Review of Urban Forestry and Sustainable Management Strategies

by
Komna Balagou
1,
Kossi Adjonou
1,*,
Kossi Novigno Segla
1,
Kossi Komi
2,
Jean-Bosco Benewinde Zoungrana
3,
Coffi Aholou
2 and
Kouami Kokou
1
1
Forest Research Laboratory, Climate Change Research Center (CRCC), University of Lome, Lome 01 BP: 1515, Togo
2
Regional Center of Excellence on Sustainable Cities in Africa (CERViDA-DOUNEDON), University of Lome, Lome 01 BP: 1515, Togo
3
WASCAL Master Research Programme in Informatics for Climate Change, University Joseph KI-ZERBO, Ouagadougou 03 BP: 7021, Burkina Faso
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Forests 2025, 16(4), 700; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16040700
Submission received: 24 January 2025 / Revised: 22 February 2025 / Accepted: 24 February 2025 / Published: 18 April 2025
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecosystem Services in Urban and Peri-Urban Landscapes)
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Abstract

:
Green belts, consisting mainly of natural forests, woodlands, and agricultural areas surrounding major cities, play an essential role in regulating urban development and controlling the expansion of metropolitan areas. Although this concept has been extensively studied in the world’s major metropolitan areas, it remains relatively unknown in many countries, particularly in Africa. There is a great need for research to better understand urban vegetation cover on the continent. This article proposes a systematic review of African publications on green cover for the period 2010 to 2024. A descriptive and thematic analysis of the selected scientific papers was carried out using a database established to examine the state of existing research and understanding of the management of these plant formations in Africa. The results of these analyses highlight several major challenges facing urban forestry, including increasing anthropogenic pressures, lack of urban planning that integrates urban forestry, and shortcomings in the management of existing forest landscapes. The thematic analysis has also helped to identify the topics addressed by African researchers, identify gaps in research, and suggest directions for future studies. Three priority areas emerge from this analysis: the conservation of natural or artificial green belts around cities, the impact of these forest landscapes on urban heat islands (climate impact), and the sustainability of ecosystem management in the context of sustainable urbanization. These guidelines will enable a better understanding and valorization of green belts in Africa, thus contributing to the construction of more sustainable cities and the efficient management of forest landscapes.

1. Introduction

The green belt refers to a network of protected natural or agricultural spaces surrounding an urbanized area, such as a metropolitan zone or a municipality [1]. This concept was first studied by Ebenezer Howard in 1898 [2], and the cities of London and Sheffield were the first to officially adopt green belts in 1938 [1,2]. In the 1950s, Great Britain, through the Town and Country Planning Act 1947, introduced the concept of the “Green Belt” into their urban planning policy to permanently halt the uncontrolled expansion of urban areas [3,4]. Consequently, other European cities developed parallel concepts, which, although different in form, also aimed to preserve natural and agricultural lands, promote access to agricultural land for urban dwellers, and create favorable conditions for residents to access nature [1], while creating clear boundaries between the city and the countryside [5]. Examples include the Green Heart of the Netherlands and the “Finger Plan” of Copenhagen.
Today, several countries or communities have these forest landscapes, particularly in Europe, where the concept has become popular. The creation of a greenbelt can serve multiple purposes for a community or city. While priorities may vary from community to community, the greenbelt plays an essential role in the ecosystem in which it is located or preserved. It helps limit urban sprawl and suburbanization while promoting urban densification. It also protects and enhances economic activities associated with natural and agricultural areas, particularly agriculture and tourism. In addition, it provides access to local agriculture, facilitates the creation of short-circuits, protects watercourses, and creates ecological networks conducive to biodiversity. The Green Belt helps to preserve emblematic and culturally significant landscapes, including agricultural landscapes, while developing recreational and tourism opportunities. It provides residents with access to local nature and enables them to benefit from the ecological services associated with natural environments.
Given this multifunctionality, many scientists worldwide have taken an interest in these urban forest ecosystems due to their significant role in urban planning, ecology, environment [6], food security [7], therapy [8], and ecotourism [9]. Numerous publications from Western, Asian, American, and African sources have been written, addressing various topics that link green belts to urban development. However, in the African context, the concept of green belts remains relatively unknown, as evidenced by the limited publications and urban planning policies in our cities. Nevertheless, a large-scale initiative comparable to the Green Belt, but on a continental scale, has been launched by African countries: The Great Green Wall. This project aims to combat desertification in Sahelian countries [10] and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change [11,12]. It is a vast forest management policy based on large-scale reforestation and assisted natural regeneration [13] in countries within the perimeter of the Great Green Wall. This initiative unites several countries, from Dakar to Djibouti, in a joint effort to combat desertification and climate change. It is based on an innovative approach to the integrated development of arid and semi-arid zones, which are often marginalized and deprived of resources [14]. In the specific case, at country level, where urban planning policies consider green belts, they are often applied without a clear understanding of their role and function [15,16]. This is the case with the green belt of Niamey, which, ten years after its creation, faces various anthropogenic pressures, including fragmented subdivisions, parceling, housing, and waste, resulting from non-compliance with the planned zoning and management plans for green belts [17]. This scenario presents a challenge for the management of urban forest landscapes.
Urban planning policies and research in Africa still lack knowledge of green belts adapted to their specific context. Consequently, several key aspects of green belts should guide research priorities to develop coherent strategies for the sustainable management of these urban and peri-urban landscapes. What is the current state of research on the concept of the green belt in urban forestry management in Africa? This article aims to conduct a diagnostic analysis of the existing literature on green belts and their role in urban forestry in Africa, with the goal of identifying knowledge gaps, current challenges, and shortcomings related to the management of these forest ecosystems. This analysis enables us to propose actionable strategies and research directions for a more effective and sustainable management of green belts in the African context. This approach aims to support researchers, policymakers, and all stakeholders in urban planning by guiding their actions towards creating forest landscapes capable of combating climate change in urban areas and improving the quality of life for the growing urban population. It is therefore essential to better understand the current state of literature reviews on this concept, which remains underexplored in the context of African urban forestry. Analyzing the themes addressed in the publications will help better guide research and inform decision-making for the management of these ecosystems in Africa. This study will first involve identifying all publications on green belts in Africa based on well-defined criteria. Then, an analysis of the results will be conducted according to the themes explored in order to identify existing challenges and propose research directions to fill knowledge gaps in urban forest management.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Collection of Scientific Data

This knowledge review is based on the analysis of scientific articles dealing with green belts or urban forestry, in relation to urban forest management. The focused keywords “green belt in Africa”, “urban forestry in Africa”, and “green spaces in Africa” were used in several search engines, including Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (BASE), Science Direct [18], ResearchGate, and Google Scholar, to identify relevant studies for inclusion in this meta-analysis. A Microsoft Excel spreadsheet was developed to classify articles according to several criteria: document type, title, publication year, keywords, authors, study area, topic addressed [18], and download source. Initially, 417 raw articles were downloaded: 31 articles from BASE, 29 from Science Direct, 21 from ResearchGate, and 333 from Google Scholar. Duplicates were then eliminated, and articles not relevant to the themes studied were discarded. One-hundred-and-twenty-two articles were then selected for the final analysis, after a thorough reading of the abstracts for accessible articles and a full reading for more complex texts, a total of fifty-two articles were retained for the final analysis (Table A1).

2.2. Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria

To build up the database, we applied several inclusion and exclusion criteria for the selection of downloaded articles.
Inclusion criteria: (i) Articles had to be published in English or French; (ii) They had to deal with the concept of green belts in Africa or urban forestry in Africa; (iii) All articles identified up to 2024 were considered; (iv) Only scientific articles and theses were downloaded.
Exclusion criteria: (i) Articles without study areas; (ii) Articles dealing with green belts in areas outside Africa; (iii) Articles published in a language other than English or French.

2.3. Metadata Analysis

The analysis of the knowledge gained from the selected articles covers publications in French and English published between 2010 and 2024, a period marking significant scientific production on the subject. The articles were grouped into six main themes to assess which topics are best explored and which are least studied, thus helping to guide future research to meet the challenges of urban forest management: Urban planning, Ecological survey, Ecosystem services, Urban climate, Forest landscape management, Greenbelt mapping. The extracted data were statistically analyzed using Microsoft Excel to assess the spatio-temporal dynamics of the items. QGIS Desktop 3.22 was used to map the geographical distribution of publications. A factorial correspondence analysis (FCA) was also carried out using R software (Version 4.4.2.) to establish relationships between the themes covered and the geographical origin of the associated publications [19] (Figure 1). A bibliometric analysis of collaborations was carried out using VOSviewer software (version 1.6.20) for creating the themes distribution by country map based on the bibliographical database on green belts in Sub-Saharan Africa. This approach generated a factorial map highlighting the links between research topics and geographical contexts.

3. Results

3.1. Geographical Distribution of Scientific Publications on Green Belts in Africa

The green belt concept has been addressed by researchers in different African countries. A total of 17 African countries have shown interest in this concept and have published on various topics related to the green belt concept related to urban forestry (Figure 2). In fact, the green belt, whether natural or constructed, is present or initiatives are being taken in these African countries. Countries such as Kenya and Ghana stand out in the production of scientific articles on urban forestry, particularly on green belts in Africa. With a rate of 11.54% of all articles studied, the authors of these publications, especially those from Kenya, highlight the importance and actions of the Green Belt Movement (GBM) [20,21] to effectively address the degradation of urban forest environments in Africa. Ghanaian researchers exploring urban forestry in Africa see this approach as a major challenge [22] and are integrating the concept of green belts into urban development plans to promote sustainable urban development [23].
Niger and Ethiopia follow with 9.62% of the selected publications on green belts. In Niger, the Niamey Greenbelt Conservation and Development Project has inspired numerous publications [24] as well as policy learning initiatives on urban forest management [25]. Togo and Burkina Faso come third with 7.69% each of the articles reviewed. Finally, Côte d’Ivoire, Congo, and Chad account for 5.77%. These countries are promoting the idea of sustainable cities in the context of climate change, notably through the huge Great Green Wall initiative [10]. Benin, Senegal, Nigeria, South Africa, and Tanzania are at 3.85%, while Morocco, Algeria, and Cameroon are at 1.92%. Most of the research from these countries makes a slow contribution to urban forestry but expresses the need for afforestation to achieve ecologically sustainable cities. The authors of the majority of publications present the green belts of their country but some write about the Great Green Wall; this is the case of the publications of the Ivory Coast, Chad, Senegal, and some publications from Niger (Figure 2).

3.2. Temporal Evolution of Publications on Green Belts

An analysis of publications on green belts over the years reveals a remarkably upward trend in scientific interest in the concept (Figure 3). The average data show that interest in green belts has increased significantly in Africa since the concept was first introduced. Between 2010 and 2014, there has been a remarkable increase in publications focusing on key issues related to the development of urban forestry [26], people’s preferences [27], and their perceptions [28]. Added to this are the contributions of the Green Belt movement [20]. From 2015 to 2022, a total of 33 articles marked this second phase of African research on green belts and urban forests. These scientific studies highlighted the importance of these spaces, especially for the ecosystem services they provide [29,30,31,32,33]. In addition, many researchers during these years dedicated themselves to the ethnobotanical and cartographic description of green belts and plant formations in urban environments [4,34,35,36]. Many other studies during this period also addressed the management of urban forests and green belts [24,37,38,39] while exploring possible directions for the sustainable management of these urban forest landscapes [21,40,41]. The increase in publications over these years can be explained by the growing interest of African researchers to better understand and popularize the green belt concept. The aim is to strengthen solutions to combat the negative effects of climate change in urban areas. In addition, the Great Green Wall initiative has also generated a great deal of scientific research highlighting the benefits and ecosystem services provided by urban forests, especially green belts (Figure 3).
An analysis of publication trends over the study years reveals several notable spikes. The first was observed in 2015, followed by a second in 2020, probably influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. The last resurgence occurred from 2022 onwards. However, the apparent decrease in publications after this period does not reflect a systematic absence of scientific activity on the topic, but rather a slowdown; nevertheless, publications during these years focused more on topics related to the sustainable development of African cities [42,43].

3.3. Themes Addressed in Research on Green Belts

The topics addressed by the publications on greenbelts were identified, on the one hand, by the frequency of their repetition of keywords in the articles selected and classified in the database and, on the other hand, by the topics most addressed in the content of the downloaded articles on greenbelts. These two criteria supported and guided the classification of the articles selected for processing. A total of 224 keywords were obtained from the articles classified in the database. An analysis was performed on the identified keywords, eliminating duplicates and out-of-context keywords such as place names. As a result of this analysis, 83 keywords were retained and then grouped into 6 thematic areas: urban planning, forest landscape management, greenbelt ecology studies, ecosystem services, urban climate, and greenbelt mapping (Figure 4). According to the analysis in Figure 4, the majority of publications in African articles on the green belt focus on ecological studies of green belts [12,28,35,44], at a rate of 30.77% of all selected articles.
Urban planning came second, with urban forestry or green belts [45,46,47,48] at 25%. Forest landscape management [16,39,49,50] accounts for 17.31% of green belt research, while 15.35% of publications deal with ecosystem services provided by green belts [31,32,51]. Mapping [52,53] and the impact of greenbelts on urban climate [54] account for 7.69% and 3.85% of the articles selected for this study, respectively.
The factorial map represents a diagnostic analysis of urban forestry and sustainable management strategies, highlighting the distribution of themes by country (Figure 5). Produced using VOSviewer, it illustrates the relationships between different thematic axes and their geographical distribution. The red cluster focuses on ecological studies in countries such as Benin, Chad, and Congo, highlighting research on biodiversity and urban forest dynamics. The blue cluster covers topics related to forest landscape management, with strong involvement from Ghana and Algeria, highlighting the importance of woodland conservation in urban strategies. The blue cluster brings together themes linked to forest landscape management, with strong involvement from Ghana and Algeria, underlining the importance of woodland conservation in urban strategies. The green cluster focuses on ecosystem services and their contribution to the well-being of urban populations, notably in conjunction with the Congo. The yellow and purple cluster focuses on urban planning and green space mapping, in relation to countries such as Ethiopia, Burkina Faso and Togo, reflecting the importance of land-use policies in the sustainable management of urban forests. The interconnections between these clusters show a strong interdependence between urban planning, ecological management, and ecosystem services, highlighting the need for an integrated, multidisciplinary approach to urban forest governance in Africa (Figure 5).
To study the relationships between the topics addressed in the selected scientific articles on green belts and the countries of origin of these publications, an analysis was carried out using a factorial map constructed from the designed database. This factorial map shows, on the horizontal axis (abscissa), the first principal component, or country factor, which explains most of the inertia, and on the vertical axis (ordinate), the second principal component, or topic factor, whose inertia follows that of the first (Figure 6).
The distribution of countries on this map shows that Senegal, Morocco, Chad, and Togo are the countries that have produced the greatest number of publications on ecological studies of green belts. Other countries, such as Niger, Congo, Benin, South Africa, and Burkina Faso, have also addressed this issue, but with less inertia. Publications on urban planning were mainly produced by researchers in Kenya, Ghana, Ethiopia, and Burkina Faso, while countries such as Tanzania, Benin, and South Africa showed less inertia. Côte d’Ivoire and Niger were particularly interested in the impact of green belts and urban forests on urban climate, with publications more closely related to the Great Green Wall and its impact in the member countries of this project. Forest Landscape Management (FLM) was the topic of reflection for researchers from Kenya, Ghana, Cameroon, Algeria, Burkina Faso, and Ethiopia, with little inertia for Niger. Researchers from Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Togo published on the cartography of urban forest landscapes, especially green belts. The ecosystem services of urban forests and green belts were mainly addressed by researchers from Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Niger, and Congo with high inertia, while those from Ghana and Kenya contributed with lower inertia (Figure 6).

4. Discussion

Greenbelts in Africa have been studied by various researchers from different countries, exploring several themes such as ecological research on greenbelts, urban planning, the ecosystem services they provide, the impact of the Great Green Wall (greenbelt) on urban climate, and forest landscape management. These studies highlight both the advantages of these ecosystems and the limits of their management, whether natural or managed.

4.1. Ecological and Environmental Roles of Green Belts

Green belts in Africa play a crucial ecological role, as demonstrated by various studies that highlight their effectiveness in promoting ecological balance, influencing land use, and regulating urban climate [55]. Green belts around houses, as well as green spaces and natural peri-urban vegetation, are essential for conserving biodiversity and improving the living conditions and well-being of residents [56,57]. Research on floristic diversity within these ecosystems underscores the richness of woody species crucial to local populations [3]. The elements outlined demonstrate the pivotal role of green belts in the daily lives of local populations. In France, the acknowledgement of the biodiversity and ecological services provided by urban forests has prompted public authorities to establish charters for the protection and preservation of these urban ecosystems [58]. This model has the potential to serve as a source of inspiration for African public authorities in the creation and transformation of green belts into protected landscapes, while also fostering awareness and engaging local populations in their management. Green belts are often referred to as the “lungs” of cities due to their role in absorbing pollutants and offering therapeutic plant species [59]. Green belts have proven to be effective tools for dispersing and absorbing gases, especially those emitted by vehicles and other mobile machinery [60]. Ecosystem services provided by these green spaces include carbon sequestration [61], soil regeneration, and the regulation of the water cycle, among others. Although there is a paucity of research in the African context, existing studies link ecosystem services of green belts to agricultural activities, offering a strategy to combat greenbelt fragmentation [31,62].
Several African initiatives have resulted in numerous publications highlighting the role and impact of urban forests in people’s lives. These include the vast Great Green Wall project, as well as local initiatives such as the Green Belt Conservation and Enhancement Project in Niamey, Niger. These initiatives have demonstrated the positive impact of green belts on urban climate [54] and their role in climate regulation in Sahelian countries [13]. In addition, work resulting from these initiatives has allowed researchers to publish on the ecosystem services associated with these projects. For example, one study evaluated the meadow dicinal plants of the Great Green Wall in Nigeria [32], while another examined the ecosystem services provided by the same initiative in Niger [31]. These projects deserve to be further popularized and extended to all African cities to maximize their impact and benefits for populations and the environment.
In all these publications, certain issues have not been sufficiently addressed, such as the conservation and protection of natural ecosystems in green belts, the impact of climate change on urban environments in relation to green belts, and the increasing urbanization of cities. These topics, as well as those already covered in African publications, deserve to be explored in greater depth to increase our knowledge of green belts and their importance.

4.2. Greenbelt Development and Management

In Western countries, the concept of the green belt has a long history and is the subject of numerous publications focusing on the development of these spaces around major European metropolises. The integration of green belts into urban planning policies has been widely debated, highlighting their role in limiting urban sprawl and improving residents’ quality of life [2,63,64,65]. Relevant recent works address various aspects: the management of natural spaces in the Île-de-France green belts [66], the importance of robust urban planning policies that promote their conservation and sustainable management alongside urban development [67], or the need for adapted planning that takes account of socio-economic contexts and ensures flexible practices for equitable development [68]. Over time, green belts have evolved from a simple role of controlling urban sprawl to a broader function of protecting valuable agricultural land and natural heritage. They play a key role in preserving ecologically sensitive areas and promoting local agriculture, helping to boost food security and beautify urban landscapes [2,65]. These European examples illustrate the original aim of green belts: to limit uncontrolled urban sprawl.
In Africa, the situation is worrying, with urban green spaces being depleted at an alarming rate. They now represent a small proportion of urban areas [22]. Urban sprawl is progressing apace due to a lack of sound and applicable urban planning policies incorporating concepts such as urban green belts. Although some African countries have initiated the creation of green belts, these projects often come up against the anthropogenic activities of local populations and effective management challenges. A striking example is the Niamey Green Belt, which was established about ten years ago. This project, financed by international partners such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the World Ban, and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has created a forested area of 2331.35 hectares around the city [69]. Today, however, this green belt is subject to strong anthropogenic pressures, in particular the fragmentation of its plant covers due to urbanization [16]. This experience underscores the importance of involving local populations and public authorities at all levels (legal, financial, and technical) to ensure the sustainability of such projects of common interest.
Research confirms that green belt policies are effective levers for promoting harmonious ecological relationships and play a strategic role in land-use planning and urban climate regulation. It is therefore crucial that the urban planning policies of African countries integrate these orientations to build sustainable cities.

4.3. Status and Challenges of Green Belts in Africa

While 25% of African publications emphasize the importance of integrating greenbelts into urban planning, these areas face significant challenges, such as increasing urbanization pressures, insufficient efforts to conserve urban forests, and limited understanding of their ecological functions.
The management of forested landscapes in Africa, and green belts in particular, has attracted the interest of numerous studies. This research highlights two major challenges: increasing anthropogenic pressure on these ecosystems [16,65] and deficiencies in forest governance that threaten the sustainability of urban forestry. Many publications emphasize the original purpose of greenbelts as no-build zones designed to preserve landscapes and rural areas. However, the intensification of human activities requires concrete strategies to preserve and enhance these ecosystems [41]. The first green belts, such as those in London and Ottawa, were originally designed to control urban sprawl [2,70]. Indeed, urban sprawl has several consequences for the urban environment and sustainable development. One of the most important consequences is the increasing pressure of cities on their peripheries due to population growth and the spatial expansion of the urban fabric [71,72]. This urban sprawl, by increasing the distances between cities, leads to an increase in greenhouse gas emissions due to increased car use and exacerbates traffic congestion problems [73]. In addition, urban sprawl leads to significant consumption of natural or agricultural land and increases the cost of public services, which must be extended to ever larger areas [2,74]. To counteract these consequences, the creation of green belts can play a crucial role in limiting urban sprawl. They act as a barrier between the city and the surrounding countryside, thus preventing urban sprawl [75]. The goal of a green belt in controlling urban sprawl [76] is generally to densify the urban fabric in the center (built-up area, population), reduce the density outside the belt, and limit the growth of the urbanized area of a city [2,65,72,77].
Some publications from Asia and the Americas also emphasize the importance of greenbelts in large cities, while highlighting the limitations of this concept, particularly in densely populated Asian megacities [73]. Filling these knowledge and policy gaps is critical to ensuring the long-term sustainability of green belts in Africa.

4.4. Key Issues to Be Tackled on Green Belt Studies

Despite the significant research conducted on green belts in Africa, several critical areas remain underexplored. Addressing these gaps could provide a more holistic understanding of the role and impact of green belts, particularly within the African context, and particularly in Togo. In-depth research on these topics would provide a better understanding of the ecology of green belts, whether natural or developed, around African cities. While some studies have investigated the role of green belts in mitigating urban climate issues, the impact of climate change on the sustainability and functioning of these belts has not been adequately explored. Green belts can be vulnerable to changing rainfall patterns, prolonged droughts, and increased temperatures [78], which could affect their ability to provide ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration, urban cooling, and biodiversity conservation. Future studies should focus on the resilience of green belts to climate change and how urban planning can adapt these areas to withstand environmental stressors.
The governance and policy frameworks surrounding the establishment, management, and protection of green belts are not extensively covered in current research. Studies are needed to explore the effectiveness of local, regional, and national policies in promoting the creation and maintenance of green belts, as well as how these policies align with broader environmental and urban development goals. Comparative research between African countries and other regions could also shed light on best practices for green belt governance. The role of local communities in the creation, management, and conservation of green belts has been underexplored. Research should focus on how to better involve community stakeholders in green belt projects, ensuring that their knowledge, needs, and practices are incorporated into management plans. Participatory approaches could improve the sustainability and resilience of green belts while fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility among local populations.

5. Conclusions

The analysis of published data in the literature review on green belts in Africa reveals their multifunctional importance and the limited understanding of the concept on the continent. Although many scientific studies have documented the development of green belts, a concept originating from the United Kingdom, and their implementation in various countries and continents, their integration into African urban planning policies remains partial. In Africa, the concept of green belts has not been fully incorporated into urban policies. However, several studies conducted in various African countries have assessed established green belts and produced numerous publications on the ecological aspects of these forested landscapes. African publications on green belts identify six main themes: urban planning, forest landscape management, ecological studies of green belts, ecosystem services, urban climate, and mapping of green belt spaces.
Most publications focus on the urban planning of green belts in various countries. Other studies concentrate on the ecosystems and services provided by the forested landscapes surrounding cities. Despite the existing extensive research, it is crucial to explore additional themes to address knowledge gaps and enhance the sustainability of cities as well as the management of urban and peri-urban forest landscapes. This management is becoming increasingly difficult in urban areas due to anthropogenic activities and illegal occupations practiced in these urban ecosystems whose social and environmental impacts are very substantial. Future research should focus on promoting sustainable urbanization, including through the integration of green belts around cities, the preservation of natural ecosystems, including natural green belts, as well as the study of the impacts of these belts on the urban climate. These research directions will help better understand and value green belts in Africa, contributing to the creation of more sustainable cities and the effective management of forest landscapes.

Author Contributions

Conceptualization: K.A.; Methodology: K.A., K.B. and K.K. (Kouami Kokou); Validation: K.A., K.B., K.N.S., K.K. (Kossi Komi), J.-B.B.Z., C.A. and K.K. (Kouami Kokou); Formal analysis: K.A., K.B., K.N.S. and K.K. (Kossi Komi); Investigation: K.B., K.A., K.N.S. and K.K. (Kossi Komi); Data curation: K.A., K.N.S., K.K. (Kossi Komi) and K.K. (Kouami Kokou); Writing—original draft preparation: K.B. and K.A.; Writing—review and editing: K.A., K.B., K.N.S., K.K. (Kossi Komi), J.-B.B.Z., C.A. and K.K. (Kouami Kokou); Supervision: C.A. and K.K. (Kouami Kokou); Project administration: K.A.; Funding acquisition: K.A. and K.K. (Kouami Kokou). All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

This research received financial support from the African Centre of Excellence, Regional Centre of Excellence on Sustainable Cities in Africa (CERVIDA-DOUNEDON) through the grant awarded to the Forest Research Laboratory (LRF) of the University of Lomé for research and development work on ‘Opportunities for forest landscape restoration to combat urban heat islands (UHI) in the context of climate change in Greater Lomé, Maritime Region’ (CONVENTION N° __/2022/CERViDA-DOUNEDON).

Data Availability Statement

Data sources are contained within the article.

Acknowledgments

The authors of this publication would like to express their sincere thanks to the African Centre of Excellence, Regional Centre of Excellence on Sustainable Cities in Africa (CERVIDA-DOUNEDON) and Forests4Future/GIZ Programme.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as potential conflicts of interest.

Appendix A

Table A1. Summary of papers analyzed during the review.
Table A1. Summary of papers analyzed during the review.
N°Type of DocumentPublications TitlesKeywordsAuthorsYear of PublicationCountryThematicSearch Tools
1ArticleVillage green belts of the Avé prefecture in Togo (West Africa): floristic diversity, threats and management methodsGreen Belts, Biodiversity, Governance, Avé, TogoBigma, B., Woegan, Y. A., Bawa, A., Diwediga, B., Koumantiga, D., Wala, K., et Akpagana, K.2022TogoEcological studyGoogle scholar
2ArticleMapping and diachronic analysis of village green belts in the Avé prefecture in Togo (West Africa)Cartography, Google Earth pro, diachronic analysis, green belts, Avé, TogoBigma, B., Woegan, Y. A., Koumantiga, D., Pereki, H., Dourma, M., Wala, K., & Akpagana, K.2021TogoMapping spacesGoogle scholar
3ArticleIssue of the management of green spaces in urban areas: project for the conservation and enhancement of the Niamey green belt in NigerGreen space, urban ecology, conservation, enhancement, green cityBanon, F., Danvidé, B., & Baye, A. Y.2021NigerForest landscape managementGoogle scholar
4ArticleEcosystem services of the Niamey Greenbelt, Niger Kindo Abdou Idrissa2019NigerEcosystem servicesSearch Door
5ArticleThreats and Management Options for the Greenbelt Natural Forest, NorthwestGreenbelt Natural Forest, Resettlement, Agricultural Investment, Local RegulationsYeshineh, G., Mekonnen, M., Zeleke, G., et Desta, G.2022EthiopiaForest landscape managementSearch Door
6ArticleEvaluation of selected medicinal plants for the development of the green belt in rock quarries in Lokpaukwu, Abia State, Nigeria Ogbonna, C. E., Nwafor, F. I., et Ogbonnaya, O. O.2021NigeriaEcosystem servicesGoogle scholar
7ArticleEffect of the African Green Belt Position on Summer Climate in West Africa: A Regional Climate Modelling Study Bamba, A., Diallo, I., Touré, N. D. E., Kouadio, K., Konaré, A., Dramé, M. S., … Et Tall, M.2019Côte-d’IvoireUrban climateGoogle scholar
8ArticleAgents of Rights-Based Justice: Wangari Maathai and the Kenya Green Belt MovementJustice, human rights, environment, social movements, Wangari MaathaiCockram, R.2017KenyaForest landscape managementGoogle scholar
9ArticleThe possible role of the Sahel Greenbelt on the occurrence of climate extremes over the West African Sahelclimate extremes, Sahel green belt, RegCM4, Sahel, variabilitySaley, I. A., Salack, S., Sanda, I. S., Moussa, M. S., Bonkaney, A. L., Ly, M., & Fodé, M.2019NigerUrban climateResearch Portal
10ThesisThe agricultural green belt at the gates of Algiers, what future in the face of urban development? Example of the eucalyptus communePeri-urban agriculture; Green belt; Sustainable development; Urban sprawl; Urban fringe, multifunctionalitySarah S ouzekri2014AlgeriaForest landscape managementGoogle scholar
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15ArticleThe Anthropocene Loop in the Sahel: Nature and Societies in the Face of Major Environmental Projects (Great Green Wall, Safeguarding Lake Chad)Anthropocene, Lake Chad, Great Green Wall, desertification, major environmental projects, ecological restoration, SahelGéraud Magrin and Ronan Mugelé2020ChadEcological studyGoogle scholar
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17ArticleFloristic Composition and Structure of Urban Forests in Sahelian Cities: Case of Niamey and Maradi, Niger Moussa Soulé2019NigerEcological studyGoogle scholar
18ArticleThe Green Belt Movement’s Use of African Indigenous Knowledge Systems in the Preservation of the Mount Kenya ForestEnvironment, Greenbelt Movement, Indigenous, Knowledge Systems, Mount Kenya Forest, Mother Earth,Njagi Catherine2022KenyaTown planningGoogle scholar
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20ArticleUrban green spaces in Africa: nature and challengesAfrica, Urban, Green spaces, Nature, ChallengesCollins Adjei Mensah2014GhanaTown planningGoogle scholar
21ArticleIt’s more than planting trees, it’s planting ideas”: ecofeminist praxis in the green belt movement Kathleen P. Hunt2014KenyaTown planningGoogle scholar
22ArticleIntercultural urban forestry, a challenge for Cameroonian decentralized local authorities at the dawn of decentralizationUrban forestry, sacred wood, local governance, local politics, diversity, culturalPatricia Andréa, Christian Blaise2022CameroonForest landscape managementBASE
23ArticleContribution to the study of urban forestry in the commune of Saint-Louis, SenegalSaint-Louis, urban forestry, perception, constraints, opportunitiesGueye Aïda Ndour, Diop Alioune Badara, Ndiaye Moustapha, Ndour Amadou Abou, Sy Mamadou, Cissé Ousmane, Faye Elhadji2024SenegalEcological studyGoogle scholar
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25ArticleGreater diversity, denser stands and higher biomass in peri-urban forests than in adjacent agroforestry systems in western Burkina Faso: implications for urban sustainabilityCarbon storage; Attributes of diversity; Land use; Structural features; Urban ecosystems; West African Sahel.Larba Hubert Balima, Issouf Zerbo, Philippe Bayen, Henry Kiemtoré, Moussa Ganamé, Mohamed Cissé, Adjima Thiombiano2023Burkina FasoEcological studyBASE
26ArticleFloristic biodiversity of the undergrowth and natural regeneration of the Patte d’Oie forest in Brazzaville, CongoCongo; floristic diversity; similarity coefficient; urban forest ecosystem; Biodiversity Index.Victor KIMPOUNI, Paul MBOU, Gabriel GAKOSSO and Marcel MOTOM2013CongoEcological studyGoogle scholar
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35ArticleWhat are we missing? Economic Value of an Urban Forest in GhanaContingent ValuationUrban ForestCost-Benefit AnalysisEconomic ValueWilliam Kwadwo Dumenu2013GhanaEcosystem servicesLive Science
36ArticleThe urban forest and the issue of insufficient planning and sustainability Patrick Brandful Cobbinah, Michael Osei Asibey, Arnold Dela Azumah2023GhanaTown planningLive Science
37ArticlePerceptions, Trends and Preferences in Urban Forestry: The Case of the City of Lomé in TogoPerception, green spaces, urban planning and peri-urban areas, LoméBotolisam Polorigni, Raoufou Radji, Kouami Kokou2014TogoEcological studyLive Science
38ArticleUrban forest management in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A Political Policy Approach to the Arrangement Bosena Yirga, Tebarek Lika Megento, Kumelachew Yeshitela Habetemariam2023EthiopiaTown planningLive Science
39ArticleDevelopment visions and attitudes of South African city greeners towards urban forestry Nanamhl Gwedel, Charlie M. Shackleton2015South AfricaTown planningLive Science
40ArticleMultiple Patterns of Use of Medicinal Trees in an Urban Forest in Nairobi, Kenya Takuya Furukawa A, Samuel K. Kibi B, Patrick B. Chalo Mutiso B, Kazu Fujiwara2016KenyaEcosystem servicesLive Science
41ArticleFloristic diversity of vascular epiphytes and hemiparasites in the urban forest ecosystem of Brazzaville, CongoCongo, urban forestry, epiphytes and vascular parasites, floristic diversity.V. Kimpouni, M.Y. Lenga-Sacadura, R.S. Kalath and L. Kiangana-Ngoyi2017CongoEcological studyGoogle scholar
42ArticleDiversity and importance of the woody flora of the city of Sokodé (Centre—Togo)Diversity, wooded, importance, Sokodé, TogoSamsahatou Tourey, Tchaa Boukpessi, Koffi Djagnikpo Kpedenou and Tanzidani Komlan Thiou Tchamie2020TogoEcological studyGoogle scholar
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46ArticleCan Stumps Say What People Want: Model and Preference of Informal Wood Extraction in an Urban Forest in Nairobi, Kenya Takuya Furukawa A, Kazu Fujiwara B, Samuel K. Kibbi C, Patrick B. Chloé Mutiso2011KenyaTown planningGoogle scholar
47ArticleEffects of Agricultural Land and Urban Expansion on Peri-Urban Forest Degradation and Implications for Sustainable Environmental Management in Southern EthiopiaLand use, land use, sustainability, peri-urban, urban planning. GIS; remote sensing; spatial analysis; urban expansion; ForestsDeneke Tilahun, Kasahun Gashu et Getnet Tarko Shiferao2022EthiopiaMapping spacesGoogle scholar
48ArticleDetection of urban forest changes in the Endayesus region, Tigray, EthiopiaUrban forest cover; Vegetation cover and urban forestry activitiesBerihu Tesfamariam Zeratsion2019EthiopiaMapping spacesGoogle scholar
49ArticleSpatio-temporal analysis of changes in land use and land cover for conservation effectiveness of the urban forest reserve: the case of the Rau Forest Reserve, TanzaniaRau Forest, encroachment, land cover change, GISGoodluck Massawe, Ahmed Abubakar, Solomon Sembosi et Priscilla Heita2022TanzaniaMapping spacesGoogle scholar
50ArticleHeavy metal fluxes in the soils of the tropical urban forest of the district of Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire)Urban forest, Soils, Heavy metals, Abidjan, Côte d’IvoireB. Emile Bolou-Bi, D. Jean Baptiste Ettien, Thierry Philippe Guety, Mireille Aïkpa Pitta, Clarisse Balland-Bolou-Bi2020Côte-d’IvoireEcosystem servicesGoogle scholar
51ArticleInstitutional arrangement for urban forest management in Ghana: assessing the role of local communities and youthUrban forest, Local communities, Youth participation, Urban sustainabilityBismark Yayra Adzah2024GhanaForest landscape managementGoogle scholar
52ArticleEthnobotanical Indicator Values of Non-Timber Forest Products from the Djoumouna Peri-Urban Forest in Brazzaville, Republic of CongoBrazzaville (Congo), Djoumouna peri-urban forest, NTFPs, Ethnobotanical indicator, BiodiversityV. Kimpouni, J.D.D. Nzila, N. Watha-Ndoudy, M.I. Madzella-Mbiemo, S. Yallo Mouhamed, J.-P. Kampe2021CongoEcosystem servicesGoogle scholar

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Forests 16 00700 g001
Figure 1. The methodological framework of the systematic review.
Figure 1. The methodological framework of the systematic review.
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Figure 2. Distribution of publication frequency by origin.
Figure 2. Distribution of publication frequency by origin.
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Figure 3. Evolution of different publications over time.
Figure 3. Evolution of different publications over time.
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Figure 4. Breakdown of research topics covered.
Figure 4. Breakdown of research topics covered.
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Figure 5. Themes distribution by country factorial map3.4. Breakdown of research topics by country.
Figure 5. Themes distribution by country factorial map3.4. Breakdown of research topics by country.
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Figure 6. Factor map showing the distribution of themes by country.
Figure 6. Factor map showing the distribution of themes by country.
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MDPI and ACS Style

Balagou, K.; Adjonou, K.; Segla, K.N.; Komi, K.; Zoungrana, J.-B.B.; Aholou, C.; Kokou, K. Green Belts in Africa: A Diagnostic Review of Urban Forestry and Sustainable Management Strategies. Forests 2025, 16, 700. https://doi.org/10.3390/f16040700

AMA Style

Balagou K, Adjonou K, Segla KN, Komi K, Zoungrana J-BB, Aholou C, Kokou K. Green Belts in Africa: A Diagnostic Review of Urban Forestry and Sustainable Management Strategies. Forests. 2025; 16(4):700. https://doi.org/10.3390/f16040700

Chicago/Turabian Style

Balagou, Komna, Kossi Adjonou, Kossi Novigno Segla, Kossi Komi, Jean-Bosco Benewinde Zoungrana, Coffi Aholou, and Kouami Kokou. 2025. "Green Belts in Africa: A Diagnostic Review of Urban Forestry and Sustainable Management Strategies" Forests 16, no. 4: 700. https://doi.org/10.3390/f16040700

APA Style

Balagou, K., Adjonou, K., Segla, K. N., Komi, K., Zoungrana, J.-B. B., Aholou, C., & Kokou, K. (2025). Green Belts in Africa: A Diagnostic Review of Urban Forestry and Sustainable Management Strategies. Forests, 16(4), 700. https://doi.org/10.3390/f16040700

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