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Andilamena, nestled within the Toamasina Province of Madagascar, occupies a geographically significant position at approximately -17.0131° latitude and 48.5720° longitude. The city’s terrain is characterized by a gently undulating landscape, transitioning from coastal plains towards the interior highlands. This location places Andilamena within a transitional zone, influenced by both maritime and continental climates. The proximity to the Indian Ocean, roughly 30 kilometers to the east, introduces a moderating effect on temperatures and humidity, but also exposes the city to sea breezes and potential salt spray. Surrounding Andilamena is a mosaic of agricultural land, primarily dedicated to rice cultivation and the production of clove and vanilla, key components of Madagascar’s export economy. These agricultural zones contribute to localized emissions, particularly during harvesting and processing periods. Further inland, the landscape gradually rises, transitioning into forested hills, which can influence local wind patterns and air circulation. The urban–rural gradient around Andilamena is relatively sharp, with the city acting as a regional market town and transport hub, drawing in rural populations and goods. While Andilamena itself lacks large-scale industrial zones, its role in the regional supply chain means it experiences traffic-related pollution and emissions from smaller workshops and businesses. The elevation, though modest, contributes to localized temperature variations and can influence the dispersion of pollutants, particularly during periods of atmospheric stability. The surrounding landscape, a blend of agriculture and gradually rising terrain, plays a crucial role in shaping Andilamena’s microclimate and, consequently, its air quality.

Andilamena’s tropical climate dictates a distinct wet and dry season pattern, profoundly impacting air quality throughout the year. The wet season, typically spanning from November to April, brings frequent rainfall and high humidity. While the rain naturally helps to cleanse the atmosphere, reducing particulate matter, the increased humidity can exacerbate respiratory issues for sensitive individuals. The dry season, from May to October, is characterized by lower rainfall and increased sunshine, but also often by stagnant air conditions. During this period, particularly in July and August, temperature inversions can occur, trapping pollutants closer to the ground. These inversions, coupled with reduced wind speeds, lead to a build-up of emissions from agricultural activities (burning of crop residues is a potential concern) and vehicular traffic. The prevailing easterly trade winds, common throughout the year, generally provide some degree of ventilation, but their effectiveness is diminished during periods of atmospheric stability. Fog, though infrequent, can also contribute to localized air quality degradation by trapping pollutants. The months of July and August are generally less favourable for outdoor activities, especially for children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions. During the wet season, while overall air quality may be improved, the high humidity can trigger allergic reactions and exacerbate asthma. It’s advisable for vulnerable populations to monitor local conditions and limit prolonged outdoor exposure during periods of stagnant air or high humidity, regardless of the season. Maintaining good ventilation indoors and avoiding exposure to smoke from cooking fires are also important preventative measures.