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Matsakabanja, nestled within the Mahajanga province of Madagascar, occupies a geographically significant position on the Mozambique Channel coastline. Located at approximately -15.9152° latitude and 45.8357° longitude, the city’s terrain is characterized by a gently sloping coastal plain, transitioning gradually to low hills inland. This relatively flat topography, combined with its proximity to the Mozambique Channel, influences local wind patterns and humidity levels, factors that directly impact air quality. The surrounding landscape is a mosaic of coastal scrubland, mangrove forests along the shoreline, and extensive rice paddies and small-scale agricultural plots extending inland. Mahajanga itself is a regional hub, and Matsakabanja benefits from this connectivity, though its population remains small at around 18,000. The urban–rural gradient is relatively sharp; the city quickly gives way to agricultural land and scattered rural settlements. While Matsakabanja lacks large-scale industrial zones within its immediate vicinity, it serves as a market town for the surrounding agricultural region, with occasional transport of goods contributing to localized emissions. The prevailing trade winds, influenced by the channel, generally blow from the east, potentially carrying pollutants from further inland or offshore. The elevation is low, rarely exceeding 30 meters above sea level, which can exacerbate the trapping of pollutants during periods of stable atmospheric conditions. The presence of the channel moderates temperatures, but also introduces a maritime influence on humidity and fog formation, impacting pollutant dispersion.

Matsakabanja experiences a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons, significantly influencing its air quality profile. The wet season, typically spanning from November to April, brings frequent rainfall and high humidity. While rainfall naturally helps to cleanse the atmosphere by removing particulate matter, the increased humidity can trap pollutants closer to the ground, particularly 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 propensity for stagnant air conditions. During this period, particularly in August and September, temperature inversions can occur, where a layer of warm air sits above cooler air near the ground, preventing vertical mixing and trapping pollutants. This can lead to a noticeable increase in localized air quality concerns. Fog, common during the transition months (October and November), further restricts pollutant dispersal. Agricultural burning, a common practice in the surrounding areas during the dry season to clear land for planting, contributes significantly to particulate matter pollution. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, should exercise caution during the dry season, particularly when agricultural burning is prevalent. Outdoor activities are generally more favorable during the wet season, although heavy rainfall can temporarily reduce visibility. The monsoon winds, though less pronounced than in other parts of Madagascar, still play a role in dispersing pollutants, particularly during the wet season’s peak.