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Foumban, nestled in the Ouest region of Cameroon (coordinates 5.7167° N, 10.9167° E), occupies a strategically important position within the nation’s Northwest Province. The city’s geography is defined by its location on a gently sloping plateau, part of the larger Adamawa Plateau, rising to an elevation of approximately 600 meters above sea level. This elevation contributes to a unique microclimate and influences local air circulation patterns. Foumban is surrounded by a mosaic of landscapes: to the north and west, rolling hills covered in dense tropical rainforest gradually transition into savanna grasslands. To the east and south, agricultural lands, primarily cultivating cocoa, coffee, and bananas, dominate the rural landscape, creating a distinct urban–rural gradient. The Mungo River, though not directly adjacent to the city center, flows nearby, impacting humidity levels and potentially influencing the dispersion of pollutants. While Foumban lacks significant heavy industry within its immediate boundaries, it serves as a regional trading hub, with vehicular traffic contributing to localized air quality concerns. The surrounding agricultural zones, while vital to the regional economy, can also be sources of particulate matter, particularly during harvesting and burning seasons. The plateau’s topography, combined with the surrounding vegetation and agricultural practices, creates a complex interplay of factors affecting Foumban’s air quality, making it susceptible to both regional and localized pollution events. The city’s relatively small size and dispersed urban character mean pollution tends to be more spatially variable than in larger, more concentrated urban centers.

Foumban experiences a tropical climate characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons, significantly impacting its air quality profile. The dry season, typically spanning from November to March, often sees a noticeable increase in particulate matter. Reduced rainfall and lower humidity allow dust and smoke from agricultural burning to persist longer in the atmosphere. Temperature inversions, common during the cooler nights of this period, trap pollutants near the ground, exacerbating the issue. The prevailing winds during the dry season are generally light and variable, further hindering pollutant dispersal. Conversely, the wet season (April to October) brings frequent rainfall, which naturally cleanses the air, washing away particulate matter and reducing overall pollution levels. However, periods of intense rainfall can also lead to flooding, potentially releasing pollutants from stagnant water sources. Fog, particularly during the transition months between wet and dry seasons, can also trap pollutants, creating localized pockets of poor air quality. During the wet season, the increased vegetation cover also contributes to higher humidity, which can affect the chemical reactions of certain pollutants. Sensitive groups, such as children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, should exercise caution during the dry season, particularly in the months of January and February, when agricultural burning is most prevalent. Outdoor activities are generally more favorable during the wet season, although vigilance is still advised during periods of fog or heavy rainfall.