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Dondo, a city in Sofala Province, Mozambique, occupies a crucial position within the Beira Corridor, a key economic artery linking Zimbabwe and Malawi to the Mozambican port of Beira. Situated at approximately -19.6167 latitude and 34.7500 longitude, Dondo lies inland, roughly 30 kilometers from the Indian Ocean. The terrain is generally flat, characteristic of the coastal plains, with a modest elevation that doesn’t significantly influence regional wind patterns. The surrounding landscape is dominated by agricultural land, primarily smallholder farms cultivating crops like cashew nuts, cotton, and maize, alongside areas of miombo woodland. This agricultural activity contributes to seasonal particulate matter pollution through land preparation and burning of crop residues. The urban-rural gradient is relatively sharp, with Dondo serving as a market and service centre for the surrounding rural communities. The proximity to Beira, a major industrial hub, means Dondo is also susceptible to pollutants transported by prevailing winds. The Pungue River flows nearby, influencing local humidity and potentially trapping pollutants during temperature inversions. The city’s growth is largely unplanned, leading to informal settlements and increased reliance on biomass fuels for cooking, further impacting local air quality. Understanding this geographic context is vital for addressing Dondo’s air pollution challenges.

Dondo experiences a distinct wet and dry season, heavily influencing its air quality. The wet season, typically from November to April, brings relief from particulate matter pollution as rainfall effectively washes dust and other pollutants from the atmosphere. However, increased humidity can also foster mold growth, potentially exacerbating respiratory issues. The dry season, from May to October, sees a significant deterioration in air quality. This is due to increased dust from agricultural activities, drier conditions promoting bushfires, and temperature inversions trapping pollutants near ground level. August and September are typically the worst months for air quality, coinciding with peak agricultural burning and the strongest temperature inversions. Prevailing winds during this period often carry smoke and dust from inland areas directly over Dondo. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions – should limit outdoor activity during these months. During the transition periods, unpredictable weather patterns can lead to fluctuating air quality. Monitoring wind direction is crucial, as pollutants from Beira can impact Dondo depending on prevailing winds. Simple measures like wearing masks during peak pollution times and keeping windows closed can offer some protection.