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Gbanhi, nestled within the Collines region of Benin (coordinates 8.4497° N, 2.4737° E), occupies a geographically significant position at the edge of the Borgou Plateaus, transitioning towards the wooded savannas of northern Benin. The town’s elevation, averaging around 350 meters above sea level, contributes to a localized microclimate and influences air circulation patterns. Surrounded by undulating hills and agricultural lands, Gbanhi’s landscape is predominantly rural, exhibiting a gradual urban–rural gradient as one moves away from the town center. The surrounding terrain is characterized by fertile, reddish-brown soils, supporting extensive cotton farming and small-scale vegetable cultivation – key economic activities. While Gbanhi itself lacks major industrial zones, its proximity to larger agricultural belts and the potential for post-harvest processing activities (cotton ginning, drying) introduces localized sources of particulate matter. The Atakora-Pendjari Faunal Reserve, though distant, influences regional wind patterns and can occasionally introduce dust plumes, particularly during the dry season. The town’s location away from major rivers means humidity is generally lower than coastal areas, impacting atmospheric stability and pollutant dispersion. The relatively open landscape allows for some degree of natural ventilation, but the topography can also create pockets of stagnant air, especially within the town’s denser residential areas. The overall geographic setting presents a mixed picture, balancing natural ventilation with potential localized pollution sources related to agriculture and limited processing activities.

Gbanhi experiences a tropical savanna climate, characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons, profoundly impacting air quality. The dry season, typically spanning November to March, presents the most significant air quality challenges. Reduced rainfall leads to lower atmospheric moisture, promoting dust suspension from agricultural fields and unpaved roads. Strong, northerly Harmattan winds, common during this period, transport fine particulate matter from the Sahel region, exacerbating the situation. Temperature inversions, where cooler air becomes trapped beneath a layer of warmer air, are also more frequent during the dry season, hindering pollutant dispersion and leading to localized build-ups. February and March often see the highest concentrations of particulate matter. The wet season, from April to October, brings relief as rainfall washes pollutants from the atmosphere and increased humidity binds particulate matter. However, agricultural burning, a common practice for land clearing and crop residue disposal, can temporarily degrade air quality during the transition months (April-May and September-October). Fog, though infrequent, can occur during cooler nights in the dry season, trapping pollutants near the ground. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, should exercise caution during the dry season, limiting outdoor activities during peak dust events and avoiding areas with significant agricultural burning. The transition months require vigilance due to potential smoke plumes. Overall, minimizing agricultural burning and improving road maintenance to reduce dust resuspension are crucial for mitigating air quality concerns.