Untangling the motivations of different stakeholders for urban greenspace conservation in sub-Saharan Africa

•Greenspaces in two African cities were generally valued across stakeholder categories.•There were many disagreements on the relative values of ecosystem services.•User viewpoints were very diverse and some dismissed the benefits of greenspaces.•Addressing disservices arising from pollution is crucial.•Emphasizing services valued by all, such as shade, could be useful for conservation.