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Ferkessédougou, nestled within the Savanes Region of northern Ivory Coast, occupies a geographically significant position at approximately 9.59°N, -5.19°W. The city’s terrain is characterized by a gently undulating savanna landscape, transitioning from the more forested south towards the drier Sahelian zone. Elevation averages around 300 meters above sea level, influencing local air circulation patterns. Surrounded by extensive agricultural lands – primarily cocoa, cotton, and maize farms – Ferkessédougou’s air quality is intrinsically linked to agricultural practices, including burning of crop residue, a common, albeit polluting, technique. The city sits on the edge of a transitional zone, experiencing a gradual urban-rural gradient as one moves outwards. While Ferkessédougou itself is a growing urban center, the surrounding area remains predominantly rural, with smaller villages and agricultural plots. The absence of major rivers or lakes within immediate proximity limits natural air purification processes; humidity is relatively low, which can exacerbate particulate matter dispersal. There are no significant industrial belts directly adjacent to Ferkessédougou, however, regional transport routes pass through, contributing to vehicular emissions. The prevailing winds, generally from the northeast during the dry season, can carry pollutants from distant sources, impacting local air quality. The city’s location within a savanna ecosystem means that dust storms, particularly during the dry season, are a recurring factor affecting air quality, contributing to elevated particulate matter concentrations. The urban character is developing, with a mix of traditional housing and newer constructions, influencing local microclimates and pollutant dispersion.

Ferkessédougou’s tropical savanna climate dictates a distinct wet and dry season cycle, profoundly impacting air quality. The dry season, typically spanning from November to May, presents the most significant air quality challenges. Reduced rainfall leads to lower atmospheric moisture, hindering the deposition of particulate matter. Agricultural burning, prevalent during land preparation for the next planting season, releases substantial quantities of smoke and pollutants, creating hazy conditions and impacting visibility. The northeast trade winds, dominant during this period, can transport these pollutants over considerable distances, affecting air quality even in areas far from the immediate burning sites. Temperature inversions, common during the cooler nights of the dry season, trap pollutants near the ground, further worsening conditions. The wet season, from June to October, brings relief as increased rainfall washes away particulate matter and dilutes gaseous pollutants. Higher humidity also aids in pollutant removal. However, heavy downpours can temporarily stir up dust and mud, leading to short-term spikes in particulate matter. Fog, occasionally occurring during the transition periods between seasons, can also trap pollutants, creating localized air quality concerns. Sensitive groups, including 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 intense. Limiting outdoor exertion and wearing masks can help mitigate exposure. The transition months (May/June and October/November) often present unpredictable air quality due to shifting wind patterns and variable rainfall.