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Antsakabary, nestled within the Mahajanga Province of Madagascar, occupies a geographically significant position along the Mozambique Channel. Located at approximately -15.0429° latitude and 48.9283° longitude, the city’s terrain is characterized by a gently undulating landscape transitioning from coastal plains to low hills. The proximity to the Mozambique Channel exerts a considerable influence on the local climate and, consequently, air quality. The surrounding landscape is a mosaic of coastal scrubland, interspersed with small-scale agricultural plots and pockets of dense, dry deciduous forest – a typical feature of Madagascar’s western lowlands. This agricultural activity, primarily focused on rice cultivation and the production of fruits like mangoes and lychees, contributes to localized sources of particulate matter, particularly during harvesting and processing seasons. The urban–rural gradient around Antsakabary is relatively gradual, with small villages and agricultural areas blending seamlessly into the city’s periphery. Elevation is generally low, rarely exceeding 50 meters above sea level, which limits the potential for significant vertical mixing of air pollutants. The city’s position within a broader agricultural belt, combined with its coastal location, means that it is susceptible to both locally generated and long-range transported pollutants, including dust from the channel and agricultural emissions. The prevailing winds, often influenced by the channel’s thermal dynamics, play a crucial role in dispersing or concentrating these pollutants, impacting the overall air quality profile of Antsakabary.

Antsakabary experiences a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons, profoundly impacting its air quality. The dry season, typically spanning from May to October, is characterized by lower humidity and increased sunshine hours. While this might seem beneficial, the lack of rainfall allows dust and particulate matter to accumulate, leading to periods of reduced visibility and potentially impacting respiratory health. Wind patterns during this period can be variable, sometimes bringing in dust from the Mozambique Channel, exacerbating the situation. Temperature inversions, though less frequent than in cooler climates, can occasionally occur, trapping pollutants near the ground. The wet season, from November to April, brings frequent rainfall and higher humidity. This precipitation naturally washes away particulate matter, leading to a noticeable improvement in air quality. However, heavy rainfall can also lead to increased soil erosion, contributing to temporary spikes in sediment-laden air. The monsoon winds, shifting direction seasonally, influence the transport of pollutants, sometimes bringing cleaner air from the interior highlands. Fog, particularly during the transition months (April/May and October/November), can trap pollutants, creating localized pockets of poor air quality. Sensitive groups, such as children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions, should exercise caution during the dry season, limiting prolonged outdoor exposure during peak dust events. Agricultural burning, a common practice during the dry season to clear land, can also significantly degrade air quality, making it advisable to avoid areas near active burning.