Matéri Air Quality Index (AQI)

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Matéri, nestled within the Atacora Region of Benin, occupies a geographically significant position at approximately 10.6978° N, 1.0633° E. The city’s terrain is characterized by undulating hills and valleys, typical of the northern Beninese landscape, with elevations ranging from 350 to 500 meters above sea level. This topography influences local air circulation patterns, potentially trapping pollutants under certain meteorological conditions. Matéri sits on the edge of a transitional zone, bordering both savanna grasslands and the denser forests further north. Surrounding the urban area is a mosaic of small-scale agricultural plots, primarily cultivating maize, millet, and sorghum, alongside livestock grazing. This agricultural activity, while vital to the local economy, can contribute to particulate matter pollution, particularly during harvesting and burning seasons. The urban–rural gradient is relatively sharp; the city quickly gives way to agricultural land and then to the more natural savanna environment. While Matéri lacks direct proximity to major rivers or lakes, it benefits from seasonal rainfall, which can temporarily cleanse the air through precipitation. The absence of large-scale industrial zones within Matéri itself is a mitigating factor, however, the city’s role as a regional market town means it experiences increased vehicular traffic, a key contributor to localized air pollution. The prevailing winds, generally from the south-east, play a crucial role in dispersing or concentrating pollutants, depending on their strength and stability.

Matéri’s tropical savanna climate dictates a distinct wet and dry season cycle, profoundly impacting air quality. The dry season, typically spanning from November to March, presents the greatest air quality challenges. Reduced rainfall and lower humidity lead to a build-up of particulate matter, exacerbated by agricultural practices. Controlled burns for land clearing and crop residue disposal are common during this period, releasing significant quantities of smoke and soot into the atmosphere. Temperature inversions, where cooler air is trapped beneath a layer of warmer air, are also more frequent during the dry season, hindering vertical mixing and further concentrating pollutants near ground level. The harmattan winds, dry and dusty trade winds blowing from the Sahara, can also impact air quality, carrying fine particulate matter into the region. The wet season, from April to October, brings relief as increased rainfall washes pollutants from the air. Higher humidity also reduces the concentration of particulate matter. However, periods of intense rainfall can lead to flooding, which can stir up dust and mold spores, temporarily degrading air quality. During the transition months (March and October), fluctuating weather patterns can lead to unpredictable air quality. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, should exercise caution during the dry season, limiting outdoor activities during peak pollution periods, particularly in the mornings. Maintaining indoor air quality through ventilation and air purification can also be beneficial.