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Mora, situated in Cameroon’s Extrême-Nord region (coordinates 11.0500° N, 14.1500° E), occupies a geographically significant position within the Sahelian transition zone. The city’s terrain is predominantly characterized by undulating plains and gently sloping hills, a landscape sculpted by the Logone-Chari River basin. This river, a vital artery for the region, influences local microclimates and contributes to the area’s agricultural productivity. Mora lies within a semi-arid climate zone, bordering the Lake Chad basin, a region experiencing increasing desertification and water scarcity. The surrounding landscape is a mosaic of savanna grasslands, sparsely wooded areas, and cultivated fields, reflecting the region’s reliance on subsistence agriculture, particularly millet, sorghum, and groundnuts. The urban–rural gradient around Mora is relatively sharp; the city acts as a commercial and administrative hub for a largely rural population engaged in farming and livestock rearing. While Mora itself is not a major industrial center, it serves as a trading post for goods originating from Chad and Nigeria, with occasional transport of agricultural products and limited light manufacturing. The proximity to agricultural zones means that seasonal burning practices, a common agricultural technique, can significantly impact local air quality. The elevation, relatively low at around 230 meters above sea level, contributes to potential temperature inversions, particularly during the dry season, trapping pollutants closer to the ground. The Logone floodplain also influences humidity levels and potential for localized fog, impacting pollutant dispersion.

Mora’s air quality experiences a distinct seasonal cycle dictated by its tropical savanna climate. The wet season, typically from June to September, brings relief from accumulated pollutants. Frequent rainfall effectively ‘washes’ particulate matter from the atmosphere, and increased humidity can help suppress dust. However, heavy downpours can also lead to temporary spikes in fungal spores and mold, impacting respiratory health. The dry season, spanning roughly October to May, presents a more challenging air quality scenario. Reduced rainfall, coupled with increased wind speeds from the Harmattan winds blowing from the Sahara, stirs up dust and sand, significantly elevating particulate matter concentrations. Temperature inversions are more common during this period, particularly in November and December, trapping pollutants near the surface. Agricultural burning, a practice used to clear land for planting, intensifies during the dry season, releasing substantial amounts of smoke and particulate matter. January and February often see the poorest air quality due to a combination of these factors. During the transitional months (April/May and September/October), air quality gradually improves as rainfall increases and burning practices decrease. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions, should exercise caution during the dry season, limiting outdoor activities during peak dust events and avoiding areas with significant smoke exposure. Maintaining indoor air quality through ventilation and air filtration can also be beneficial.