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Bejofo, a small urban centre within the Toamasina region of Madagascar, presents a unique geographic context influencing its air quality. Situated at approximately -17.8362 latitude and 48.2185 longitude, the town lies relatively close to the Indian Ocean coastline, approximately 25km inland. The terrain is gently undulating, characteristic of the eastern coastal plains of Madagascar, transitioning from low-lying areas towards slightly higher ground further west. This proximity to the ocean introduces a consistent, humid air mass, but also potential for salt spray and marine aerosols. Bejofo’s surrounding landscape is dominated by agricultural zones, primarily smallholder farming of rice, vanilla, and cloves, alongside patches of remnant rainforest. While not a major industrial hub itself, Bejofo serves as a market town for the surrounding agricultural production, leading to increased road traffic and associated emissions. The urban-rural gradient is quite sharp; the town itself is compact, quickly giving way to rural farmland. This localized concentration of activity, combined with the prevailing winds and limited dispersion due to the terrain, can contribute to localized air pollution events. The elevation is low, around 20-50m above sea level, further limiting atmospheric mixing and pollutant dispersal.

Bejofo experiences a tropical monsoon climate, dictating a distinct wet and dry season rather than traditional four seasons. Air quality generally improves during the wet season (November to April) as rainfall effectively washes particulate matter from the atmosphere. However, increased humidity can also foster mould growth, impacting respiratory health. The heaviest rainfall typically occurs between January and March, offering the cleanest air. The dry season (May to October) brings consistently poorer air quality. This is due to increased dust from unpaved roads and agricultural activities, coupled with reduced rainfall for natural cleansing. August and September are often the driest months, and therefore the most polluted. Temperature inversions, common during the cooler dry season nights, trap pollutants near ground level, exacerbating conditions. The prevailing trade winds, blowing from the southeast, can transport pollutants from agricultural burning further inland. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should limit strenuous outdoor activity during the dry season, particularly in the late afternoon when pollutant concentrations are highest. Monitoring local weather patterns and avoiding peak traffic hours can further mitigate exposure.