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Kombissiri, a burgeoning urban centre in Burkina Faso’s Centre-Sud region, occupies a relatively flat terrain at an elevation of approximately 280 meters. Its location, roughly 85km southeast of Ouagadougou, places it within the broader Sahelian zone, a transitional ecosystem between the Sahara Desert and the Sudanian Savanna. The surrounding landscape is predominantly characterized by grasslands and sparse woodland, typical of the region. While no major bodies of water directly border Kombissiri, the Nakambé River flows nearby, influencing local humidity and potentially contributing to dust suppression during the wet season. The city’s growth is intrinsically linked to its position as a key agricultural market, serving the surrounding rural communities engaged in millet, sorghum, and cotton cultivation. This agricultural activity, alongside increasing domestic fuel burning, contributes to particulate matter in the air. The urban-rural gradient is sharply defined, with a rapid transition from densely populated residential areas to agricultural lands. The lack of significant industrial belts within Kombissiri itself means that pollution sources are largely diffuse, stemming from household activities and transport, exacerbated by the region’s inherent dustiness and seasonal wind patterns. The prevailing winds, often originating from the northeast during the dry season, can carry dust plumes across the city, impacting air quality.

Kombissiri experiences a distinct wet and dry season, profoundly influencing its air quality. The dry season, spanning roughly November to May, is characterized by consistently high temperatures and low humidity. This period sees a peak in particulate matter pollution, driven by windblown dust from the surrounding Sahelian landscape and increased burning of biomass for cooking and heating. January and February are typically the months with the poorest air quality. The Harmattan wind, a dry and dusty trade wind, further exacerbates conditions. Conversely, the wet season, from June to October, brings significant relief. Rainfall effectively suppresses dust, and increased vegetation cover helps absorb pollutants. However, increased humidity can also promote the formation of mold spores, potentially impacting respiratory health. August and September, while offering cleaner air from a particulate matter perspective, can experience localized flooding which can create stagnant water and breeding grounds for disease vectors. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions – should limit strenuous outdoor activity during the dry season and take precautions against dust inhalation. During the wet season, focus shifts to preventing waterborne illnesses and managing mold exposure.