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Togba, nestled within the Couffo Prefecture of Benin, occupies a geographically significant position in the country’s northwest, bordering Togo. Located at approximately 7.1000° latitude and 1.6667° longitude, the town sits within a transitional zone between the forested highlands and the drier savanna regions of Benin. The surrounding landscape is characterized by undulating hills and valleys, typical of the Atacora mountain range’s foothills, with elevations ranging from 200 to 450 meters above sea level. This terrain influences local air circulation patterns, potentially trapping pollutants under certain meteorological conditions. Togba’s proximity to the Pendjari National Park, a vital biodiversity hotspot, means the surrounding area is largely rural, dominated by small-scale agriculture – primarily cocoa, coffee, and plantain cultivation – and interspersed with dense tropical forests. The urban–rural gradient is relatively sharp, with Togba representing a small market town serving the surrounding agricultural communities. While Togba itself lacks significant heavy industry, its role as a trading hub means vehicular traffic, particularly motorcycles and trucks transporting agricultural goods, contributes to localized air pollution. The lack of extensive paved roads in the surrounding areas can also lead to dust resuspension, particularly during the dry season. The town’s relatively isolated location, while offering some protection from larger industrial pollution sources, also limits access to advanced air quality monitoring and mitigation technologies. The prevailing winds generally flow from the northwest, carrying potential pollutants from Togo and the broader Atacora region.

Togba experiences a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons, significantly impacting air quality dynamics. The dry season, typically spanning from November to March, is characterized by lower humidity, higher temperatures, and reduced rainfall. This period often sees an increase in dust and particulate matter concentrations due to wind-driven resuspension from agricultural fields and unpaved roads. Temperature inversions, where cooler air is trapped beneath a layer of warmer air, are more frequent during the dry season, hindering vertical mixing and exacerbating pollutant accumulation within the town. The harmattan winds, originating from the Sahara Desert, can transport significant amounts of dust and sand, further degrading air quality. Conversely, the wet season (April to October) brings increased rainfall, which naturally scavenges pollutants from the atmosphere, leading to a noticeable improvement in air quality. However, periods of intense rainfall can also lead to flooding, which can temporarily release pollutants from stagnant water sources. During the transition months (March and October), fluctuating weather patterns can result in unpredictable air quality. The months of January and February are generally considered the least favorable for outdoor activities, particularly for individuals with respiratory sensitivities. During these months, limiting strenuous outdoor exertion and wearing appropriate face coverings is advisable. The increased dust and potential for temperature inversions pose a particular risk to children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions. Maintaining good ventilation indoors and avoiding exposure to smoke from cooking fires are also crucial preventative measures.