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Pama, situated in the Est Region of Burkina Faso at coordinates 11.2500°N, 0.7000°W, is a small city of approximately 13,579 inhabitants. The landscape surrounding Pama is characteristic of the broader Sahelian zone – a relatively flat, semi-arid plain transitioning southward into more vegetated savanna. The terrain is gently undulating, with elevations generally below 300 meters, influencing air dispersion patterns. Pama’s location isn’t directly adjacent to major bodies of water, though seasonal streams and smaller watercourses are present, impacting local humidity and dust levels. The city functions as a regional market centre, serving surrounding agricultural communities. This agricultural activity, primarily subsistence farming and livestock rearing, contributes to particulate matter pollution through land clearing, burning of agricultural residue, and dust from grazing lands. An urban-rural gradient exists, with air quality generally worsening closer to the city centre due to increased traffic, domestic fuel burning (wood and charcoal), and small-scale commercial activities. The prevailing winds, influenced by the Harmattan from the northeast during the dry season, can transport dust plumes from further afield, exacerbating particulate matter concentrations. The lack of significant industrial belts within Pama itself means that the primary pollution sources are largely localized and tied to daily life and agricultural practices.

Pama experiences a distinct wet and dry season, heavily influencing air quality. The dry season, roughly November to May, is characterized by consistently high temperatures and the influence of the Harmattan wind, bringing significant amounts of Saharan dust. This period sees the highest levels of particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), impacting respiratory health. January and February are typically the months with the poorest air quality. The transition to the wet season, June to August, brings relief as rainfall suppresses dust and washes pollutants from the atmosphere. However, increased humidity can also promote the growth of mold and allergens. September and October, during the tail end of the wet season, can see a resurgence of dust as the ground dries. The wet season generally offers the best conditions for outdoor activity, though localized flooding can create damp conditions conducive to mold. Temperature inversions, common during cooler nights in the dry season, trap pollutants near the ground, worsening air quality. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions – should limit outdoor exposure during the dry season and be mindful of indoor air quality, using ventilation and filtration where possible.