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Savé, nestled within Benin’s Collines department, occupies a geographically significant position in the country’s central plateau region. Located at coordinates 8.0333° N, 2.4833° E, the city’s terrain is characterised by undulating hills and valleys, typical of the Atakora Mountains’ foothills. This elevation, though not extreme, influences local wind patterns and can contribute to temperature inversions, trapping pollutants. Savé isn’t directly adjacent to major bodies of water, though smaller streams and rivers dissect the landscape, providing crucial irrigation for surrounding agricultural lands. The urban character of Savé is evolving, transitioning from a primarily agricultural market town to a more diversified regional centre. Surrounding Savé are extensive agricultural zones, predominantly focused on maize, yams, and coffee cultivation. These agricultural practices, while vital to the local economy, contribute to particulate matter pollution through land preparation, harvesting, and the burning of agricultural residue. The urban-rural gradient is relatively sharp, with a noticeable increase in dust and vehicle emissions as one moves closer to the city centre. The lack of heavy industry within Savé itself means that regional transport routes, carrying goods to and from larger economic hubs, are a more significant source of air pollution than localised industrial output. This makes Savé particularly vulnerable to pollutants transported from elsewhere.

Savé experiences a distinct tropical climate with alternating wet and dry seasons, profoundly impacting air quality. The dry season, typically from November to March, sees a significant increase in particulate matter. Reduced rainfall means less atmospheric cleansing, and increased dust from unpaved roads and agricultural activities dominates. Harmattan winds, blowing from the Sahara, exacerbate this, carrying fine dust particles across long distances. February and March are often the months with the poorest air quality. The transition period, April-May, brings increased humidity and sporadic rainfall, offering a temporary respite. The wet season, spanning 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 mould growth, impacting respiratory health. August and September, while wet, can experience localised flooding which stirs up sediment and contributes to microbial pollutants. Temperature inversions, more common during the cooler, drier months, can trap pollutants near ground level, worsening conditions. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should limit strenuous outdoor activity during the dry season and be mindful of potential mould exposure during the wet season.