Impact of Recreational Spaces on Community Resilience to Climate-Sensitive Health Hazards in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the impact of recreational spaces on community resilience to climate-sensitive health hazards in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria. A convergent mixed-methods design was employed, with quantitative data collected from 320 household heads selected through stratified random sampling across eight local government areas, and qualitative insights obtained from 20 key informant interviews. Guided by the Social Learning Theory (Bandura, 1977) and the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework, findings revealed that recreational spaces significantly contribute to community resilience, particularly through heat mitigation and social cohesion (Mean scores 3.30–3.56). However, significant gaps emerged in the availability of recreational spaces (Mean = 2.63) and in the quality and maintenance of existing facilities (Mean = 2.66). T-test analysis indicated significant gender differences in perceptions of recreational space safety (t = 2.145, p = 0.033) and the role of recreational participation in climate adaptation (t = 2.001, p = 0.046). Instrument validity was ensured through expert review and a pilot test with 30 participants, while reliability was confirmed with a Cronbach's Alpha of 0.81. The study concludes that recreational spaces are promising but underutilized assets for climate-health resilience, requiring deliberate integration into urban planning, public health strategies, and community adaptation frameworks to fully realize their protective and restorative potential.