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Idigny, situated in the Plateau department of Benin, occupies a relatively flat terrain at approximately 7.4833°N, 2.7000°E. This location places it within the broader Dahomey Plateau region, characterised by gently undulating topography. The city’s position isn’t directly adjacent to major bodies of water, though it lies within the drainage basin of several smaller rivers and streams that feed into the Atlantic Ocean, approximately 80km to the south. Surrounding Idigny is a mosaic of agricultural land, primarily subsistence farming focused on crops like maize, cassava, and yams. While not a heavily industrialised centre itself, Idigny serves as a regional market town, processing agricultural produce from the surrounding rural areas. This processing, alongside local artisanal activities, contributes to localised emissions. The urban-rural gradient is quite sharp; the city centre is densely populated, transitioning rapidly to agricultural fields and scattered settlements. This proximity to agricultural practices introduces potential for particulate matter from land preparation and seasonal burning. The prevailing winds, influenced by the Harmattan from the northeast and the moist air masses from the Atlantic, play a crucial role in dispersing or concentrating pollutants within the city’s microclimate. The relatively low elevation contributes to limited atmospheric mixing, potentially exacerbating pollution episodes.

Idigny experiences a tropical climate defined by distinct wet and dry seasons, heavily influencing air quality. The dry season, typically from November to March, sees a peak in particulate matter pollution. Reduced rainfall means less atmospheric cleansing, and increased dust from unpaved roads and agricultural activities becomes prevalent. Harmattan winds during this period can transport Saharan dust, further degrading air quality. January and February are generally the months with the poorest air quality. The transition period, March to April, brings increased burning of vegetation for land preparation, creating localised smoke plumes. The wet season, from May to October, offers a respite. Frequent rainfall effectively washes pollutants from the atmosphere, leading to significantly improved air quality. However, increased humidity can foster mould growth, impacting respiratory health. August and September, during the peak of the rainy season, are generally the most favourable months for outdoor activity. Temperature inversions, though less common than in temperate climates, can occur during the cooler nights of the dry season, trapping pollutants near ground level. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should limit outdoor exposure during the dry season and periods of agricultural burning.