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Anjiajia, a small urban centre within the Boeny region of Madagascar, is situated near Mahajanga, a port city on the Bombetoka Bay. Located at approximately -16.4644 latitude and 46.9572 longitude, Anjiajia’s geography is defined by its proximity to the Mozambique Channel and the surrounding savanna landscape. The terrain is generally flat, typical of the coastal plains of northwestern Madagascar, with a slight elevation increase moving inland. This flatness contributes to limited natural air dispersion. Mahajanga, and by extension Anjiajia, serves as a regional hub for trade and agriculture, with significant activity related to the processing of agricultural products like rice and sugar cane. The urban-rural gradient is relatively sharp, transitioning quickly from the denser settlement of Mahajanga to agricultural lands and sparsely populated savanna. The Bombetoka River, a major waterway, influences local humidity and can contribute to localised pollutant concentration during periods of low flow. Dust from agricultural activities and unpaved roads is a significant factor, exacerbated by the prevailing winds. The coastal location means salt spray is also present, potentially reacting with pollutants. Industrial activity, concentrated in Mahajanga, impacts the broader regional air quality, with Anjiajia experiencing downwind effects.

Anjiajia experiences a distinct wet and dry season, rather than traditional four seasons. Air quality is generally better during the wet season (November to April) due to rainfall scavenging particulate matter from the atmosphere. However, increased humidity can also promote the formation of mould and contribute to respiratory issues. The dry season (May to October) brings significantly poorer air quality. This is driven by increased dust from agricultural activities, unpaved roads, and the prevailing winds carrying particulate matter from inland areas. Temperature inversions, common during the cooler, drier months of July and August, trap pollutants near the ground, worsening conditions. The Harmattan winds, originating from the Sahara, can occasionally transport dust plumes, further degrading air quality. Months to avoid strenuous outdoor activity are August and September, when dust levels are typically highest. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should limit exposure during these periods. Conversely, the wetter months of December and January offer the most favourable conditions for outdoor activity. Monitoring local weather patterns is crucial, as sudden wind shifts can rapidly alter air quality.