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Befody, nestled within the Fianarantsoa Province of Madagascar, occupies a geographically significant position within the island’s central highlands. Located at approximately -20.7798 latitude and 47.9367 longitude, the town sits at an elevation of roughly 1200 meters above sea level, contributing to a generally cooler climate compared to coastal regions. Befody’s urban character is distinctly rural, reflecting its small population of around 12,000. The surrounding landscape is dominated by rolling hills and terraced rice paddies, characteristic of the Betsileo region, where agriculture forms the backbone of the local economy. This proximity to intensive agricultural zones, particularly rice cultivation, introduces potential sources of particulate matter, including smoke from burning agricultural waste and dust from tilling fields. The urban–rural gradient is sharp; Befody blends seamlessly into the agricultural landscape, with limited industrial activity. The nearest significant industrial areas are located further afield in Fianarantsoa, minimizing direct industrial pollution impacts. While Befody lacks major rivers directly flowing through it, it benefits from numerous streams and springs fed by the highland rainfall, influencing local humidity and potentially affecting the dispersion of pollutants. The terrain, with its undulating hills, can create localized areas of stagnant air, particularly during periods of low wind, which can exacerbate air quality issues. The region's climate, influenced by the Indian Ocean monsoon system, plays a crucial role in shaping air quality patterns, with seasonal variations in rainfall and wind impacting pollutant dispersal.

Befody’s air quality experiences a distinct seasonal cycle dictated by Madagascar’s tropical climate, characterized by wet and dry seasons rather than the four traditional seasons. The dry season, typically spanning from May to October, often presents the greatest air quality challenges. Reduced rainfall leads to lower atmospheric moisture, hindering the natural cleansing effect of precipitation. Furthermore, the drier conditions encourage agricultural burning, a common practice for land clearing and residue disposal, releasing significant quantities of particulate matter and smoke into the atmosphere. Temperature inversions, where cooler air becomes trapped beneath a layer of warmer air, are more frequent during this period, preventing pollutants from dispersing vertically. This phenomenon can lead to localized pockets of poor air quality, particularly in valleys and low-lying areas. The wet season, from November to April, brings increased rainfall and higher humidity, generally improving air quality by washing away pollutants and increasing atmospheric moisture. However, periods of heavy fog, common during the wet season, can trap pollutants near the ground, creating temporary episodes of reduced visibility and potentially impacting respiratory health. Months like August and September, at the peak of the dry season, are generally periods to avoid strenuous outdoor activity, especially for children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions. Conversely, the months of March and April, during the transition to the wet season, often offer the most favourable air quality conditions. Maintaining indoor air quality through ventilation and avoiding exposure to smoke from cooking fires is crucial year-round.