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Koudougou, situated in Burkina Faso’s Centre-Ouest region, occupies a geographically significant position within the country’s broader landscape. Located at approximately 12.25°N, 2.37°W, the city’s elevation averages around 320 meters (1,050 feet) above sea level, placing it on a gently undulating plateau within the Sudanese Savannah. This terrain, characterized by reddish-brown lateritic soils, influences drainage patterns and contributes to the region’s distinctive appearance. The surrounding landscape is predominantly agricultural, a mosaic of cultivated fields, interspersed with acacia woodlands and sparse vegetation typical of the Sahelian transition zone. While Koudougou itself lacks immediate proximity to major rivers or lakes, it draws water from boreholes and seasonal streams, impacting local water resource management. The urban–rural gradient around Koudougou is relatively sharp; the city transitions quickly into agricultural land, with smaller villages and rural settlements dotting the surrounding plains. The city’s location, while inland, is not entirely isolated; it serves as a regional market town and transportation hub, connecting agricultural areas to larger urban centers like Ouagadougou. Dust storms, common in the Sahel, are a significant factor affecting air quality, originating from the surrounding sparsely vegetated areas and transported by prevailing winds. Limited industrial activity, primarily focused on processing agricultural products like shea butter and cotton, contributes a localized, albeit generally minor, pollution load. The relatively flat terrain can exacerbate the accumulation of pollutants, particularly during periods of low wind speed.

Koudougou experiences a distinct wet and dry season, profoundly influencing its air quality profile. The dry season, typically spanning from November to May, is characterized by intense solar radiation, low humidity, and frequent dust storms. These storms, driven by strong Harmattan winds originating from the Sahara, are the primary driver of elevated particulate matter in the air. The lack of rainfall during this period means there's no natural cleansing of the atmosphere, allowing dust and other pollutants to accumulate. Temperature inversions, common during the cooler nights of the dry season, can trap pollutants near the ground, further worsening air quality. Outdoor activities are best limited during the peak of the Harmattan season (January-March) for vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions. The wet season, from June to October, brings relief from dust, as rainfall washes pollutants from the atmosphere and increases humidity, suppressing dust lifting. However, agricultural activities, such as burning crop residue, can temporarily increase localized smoke pollution. Fog, though infrequent, can also trap pollutants during the transition periods between seasons. The intensity of rainfall and the frequency of dust storms are highly variable year to year, making it difficult to predict air quality with certainty. During the wet season, while overall particulate matter levels decrease, vigilance regarding smoke from agricultural practices remains important. Maintaining indoor air quality through proper ventilation is crucial during both seasons, particularly during dust events.