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Betanty, a small city in the Toliara Province of Madagascar, occupies a unique geographic position along the southwestern coast. Situated at coordinates -25.5666, 45.5272, the city’s terrain is largely defined by a relatively flat coastal plain, transitioning inland to drier, spiny forest ecosystems. The Indian Ocean exerts a significant influence, providing humidity but also acting as a conduit for potential long-range transport of marine aerosols and dust from the Mozambique Channel. The surrounding landscape is dominated by semi-arid scrubland and baobab forests, with limited large-scale industrial activity directly within Betanty itself. However, the region supports substantial agricultural practices, primarily subsistence farming and some cash crop cultivation, which contribute to seasonal biomass burning. The urban-rural gradient is quite sharp; Betanty is a concentrated settlement amidst a sparsely populated rural backdrop. This proximity to agricultural lands, combined with the prevailing wind patterns, means that smoke from agricultural fires frequently impacts the city’s air quality. The coastal location also means salt spray is a constant component of the air. The city’s relatively low elevation further limits atmospheric dispersion of pollutants, potentially exacerbating localised air quality issues. Understanding these factors is crucial for assessing and mitigating air pollution in Betanty.

Betanty experiences a distinct wet and dry season, heavily influencing its air quality. The dry season, roughly from April to November, is characterised by consistently high temperatures and minimal rainfall. This period sees a peak in agricultural burning as farmers prepare fields for planting, leading to increased particulate matter (PM) concentrations. Strong winds during this time can exacerbate the spread of smoke, impacting respiratory health. November marks the transition, with sporadic rainfall offering temporary relief. The wet season, from December to March, brings increased humidity and frequent rainfall, effectively scavenging pollutants from the atmosphere and generally improving air quality. However, even during the wet season, localised sources like unpaved roads and vehicle emissions contribute to PM levels. Temperature inversions, common during the cooler nights of the dry season, can trap pollutants near ground level, worsening conditions. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions – should limit strenuous outdoor activity during the peak of the dry season (July-September). The months of January and February, coinciding with the heaviest rainfall, generally offer the most favourable conditions for outdoor activities. Monitoring wind direction is also key, as smoke plumes can shift rapidly.