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Tantéga, nestled within the Atacora Department of Benin, occupies a geographically significant position in the country’s northwest. Located at coordinates 10.8500, 1.0333, the city is situated on a plateau, contributing to a relatively moderate elevation compared to the surrounding landscapes. This plateau is part of the Atacora Mountains, a range that extends into Togo and Ghana, influencing local wind patterns and drainage. The terrain is characterised by undulating hills and valleys, typical of the region’s pre-Cambrian geological formations. While not directly adjacent to a major body of water, Tantéga is influenced by seasonal river flows and groundwater resources. The surrounding landscape is predominantly rural, dominated by agricultural lands – primarily subsistence farming of crops like maize, yams, and cotton. There isn’t a concentrated industrial belt within Tantéga itself, but regional agricultural processing and small-scale artisanal activities contribute to localised emissions. The urban-rural gradient is quite sharp; the city centre is relatively compact, quickly transitioning to agricultural fields and forested areas. This proximity to agricultural practices, including potential slash-and-burn techniques, and the use of biomass for cooking and heating, are key factors impacting local air quality. Dust from unpaved roads also contributes to particulate matter concentrations, particularly during the dry season.

Tantéga experiences a distinct tropical climate with a pronounced wet and dry season, heavily influencing air quality. The dry season, roughly from November to March, sees a significant increase in particulate matter. Reduced rainfall means less atmospheric cleansing, and agricultural burning for land preparation becomes common, releasing substantial smoke and pollutants. Harmattan winds, originating from the Sahara, can transport dust plumes southward, further degrading air quality during these months. February and March are typically the months with the poorest air quality. The transition period, April-May, brings increasing humidity and sporadic rainfall, offering some relief. The wet season, from June to October, generally offers the best air quality. Frequent rainfall effectively washes pollutants from the atmosphere, and vegetation absorbs some airborne particles. However, increased humidity can also promote mold growth indoors, impacting respiratory health. August and September, while wet, can experience localised flooding which can stir up sediment and contribute to microbial pollutants. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should limit outdoor exposure during the dry season and take precautions during periods of heavy rainfall. Monitoring local weather patterns and avoiding strenuous activity on dusty days is crucial.