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Adjaouèrè, situated in the Plateau department of Benin, occupies a relatively flat terrain at approximately 70 meters above sea level, placing it within the broader coastal plains of the Gulf of Guinea. The city’s geography is fundamentally shaped by its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, roughly 40 kilometers south, influencing humidity and wind patterns. Adjaouèrè isn’t a major industrial hub itself, but lies within a region experiencing increasing agricultural intensification, particularly in surrounding areas dedicated to cotton and palm oil production. This agricultural activity contributes to particulate matter through land clearing and seasonal burning. The urban-rural gradient is quite sharp; the city core transitions rapidly into agricultural land, meaning pollutants generated within Adjaouèrè are not readily dispersed by extensive natural buffers. The surrounding landscape is characterised by savannah and woodland, interspersed with small waterways and seasonal floodplains. Dust from unpaved roads and construction, common in a rapidly developing city, adds to the particulate load. The city’s location within a tropical climate means consistent high temperatures and humidity, impacting pollutant dispersion and chemical reactions in the atmosphere. This combination of factors creates a unique air quality profile for Adjaouèrè, demanding careful monitoring and mitigation strategies.

Adjaouèrè experiences a distinct wet and dry season cycle that profoundly impacts air quality. The dry season, spanning November to March, is typically associated with poorer air quality. Lower humidity and increased wind speeds contribute to the resuspension of dust from unpaved roads and agricultural fields, elevating particulate matter concentrations. Harmattan winds, originating from the Sahara, can transport significant amounts of dust southward, further exacerbating the issue. Temperature inversions, common during the cooler nights of the dry season, trap pollutants near the ground. The wet season, from April to October, generally brings improved air quality. Rainfall effectively washes away particulate matter, and higher humidity promotes pollutant deposition. However, increased cloud cover can also lead to stagnant air conditions, trapping localised emissions. August and September, during the peak of the rainy season, often offer the most favourable conditions for outdoor activity. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should exercise caution during the dry season, particularly December to February, and consider limiting outdoor exposure on dusty days. Monitoring local weather patterns is crucial for anticipating pollution spikes.