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Mampikony, nestled within the Mahajanga province of Madagascar, occupies a geographically significant position on the Mozambique Channel coastline. Located at approximately -16.0925° latitude and 47.6460° longitude, the city’s terrain is characterized by a gently undulating landscape transitioning from coastal plains to low hills inland. The proximity to the Mozambique Channel exerts a powerful influence, moderating temperatures and contributing to a humid, tropical climate. The surrounding landscape is a mosaic of coastal scrub, mangrove forests, and extensive rice paddies, reflecting the region’s agricultural importance. To the east, the land rises gradually towards the interior highlands, creating a distinct urban–rural gradient. While Mampikony itself is a relatively small urban center with a population of around 28,593, it serves as a vital trading hub for the surrounding agricultural communities. There are no major industrial belts immediately adjacent to Mampikony, though smaller-scale processing facilities related to rice cultivation and fishing are present. The prevailing winds, generally easterly, blow across the Mozambique Channel, potentially carrying marine aerosols and, under certain conditions, pollutants from distant sources. The relatively flat topography can also contribute to localized air stagnation, particularly during periods of calm weather, impacting the dispersion of any locally generated emissions. The city’s location within a region heavily reliant on traditional agricultural practices means that biomass burning, particularly during land clearing and crop residue disposal, can be a significant factor in local air quality.

Mampikony’s tropical climate dictates a distinct wet and dry season pattern, profoundly influencing its air quality. The wet season, typically spanning from November to April, brings frequent rainfall and high humidity. While the rain naturally helps to cleanse the atmosphere, the increased humidity can trap pollutants closer to the ground, especially during periods of reduced wind. The dry season, from May to October, is characterized by lower rainfall and generally clearer skies, but also a greater risk of stagnant air. During this period, biomass burning associated with agricultural practices intensifies, releasing particulate matter and other pollutants. The months of July and August often experience periods of calm weather and temperature inversions, where a layer of warm air sits above cooler air near the ground, preventing vertical mixing and trapping pollutants. Fog, particularly in the early morning hours, is also more common during the dry season, further exacerbating the issue. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, should exercise caution during the dry season, particularly when biomass burning is prevalent. Outdoor activities are generally more favorable during the wet season, although periods of heavy rain can temporarily reduce visibility. The prevailing easterly winds from the Mozambique Channel play a crucial role in dispersing pollutants, but their effectiveness is diminished during periods of calm weather or temperature inversions. Understanding these seasonal patterns is key to mitigating the impacts of air pollution on public health in Mampikony.