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Marovantaza, a small town nestled within the Mahajanga province of Madagascar, occupies a geographically significant position on the western coast. Situated at approximately -15.3831 latitude and 47.6534 longitude, it lies within a transitional zone between the drier deciduous forests of the northwest and the more humid coastal plains. The town’s terrain is gently undulating, sloping towards the Mozambique Channel, a major body of water influencing local climate and air patterns. Marovantaza’s urban character is distinctly rural, reflecting its small population of around 11,000. The surrounding landscape is dominated by agricultural land, primarily focused on vanilla, coffee, and clove cultivation, interspersed with pockets of remnant dry forest. This proximity to agricultural zones introduces potential sources of particulate matter, particularly during harvesting and processing seasons. The urban–rural gradient is gradual; the town seamlessly blends into the agricultural landscape, with limited industrial activity. There's no significant industrial belt nearby, minimizing large-scale industrial emissions. The prevailing winds, generally easterly, blow onshore from the Mozambique Channel, potentially carrying marine aerosols and influencing the dispersion of any locally generated pollutants. Elevation is relatively low, averaging around 10-20 meters above sea level, which can exacerbate temperature inversions during cooler months, trapping pollutants closer to the ground. The coastal location also means the town is susceptible to sea breezes, which can both disperse and concentrate pollutants depending on atmospheric stability.

Marovantaza experiences a tropical climate characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons, significantly impacting air quality. The dry season, typically from May to October, sees reduced rainfall and increased sunshine hours. While this might seem beneficial, the lack of rainfall means fewer opportunities for natural pollutant washout. Furthermore, the drier conditions can lead to increased dust generation from agricultural fields and unpaved roads, contributing to particulate matter. Temperature inversions are more frequent during this period, particularly in the mornings, trapping pollutants near the surface. The wet season, from November to April, brings frequent rainfall, which effectively cleanses the atmosphere, reducing particulate concentrations. However, heavy rainfall can also lead to increased humidity, potentially exacerbating respiratory issues for sensitive individuals. Wind patterns shift during the wet season, often becoming more variable and occasionally stronger, aiding in pollutant dispersion. Agricultural burning, a common practice for land clearing and crop residue disposal, is most prevalent at the transition between the dry and wet seasons (October-November), leading to temporary spikes in smoke and particulate pollution. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions, should exercise caution during the dry season, particularly during periods of stagnant air or agricultural burning. Outdoor activities are generally more favourable during the wet season, although heavy downpours can still impact visibility and air quality.