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Kolda, situated in the Kolda Region of Senegal (coordinates 12.8958° N, -14.9408° W), occupies a geographically significant position within the nation’s southern savanna zone. The city’s terrain is predominantly undulating, characterized by gently sloping plains intersected by low ridges, a typical feature of the Guinean Shield’s western fringe. Elevation averages around 150-200 meters above sea level, influencing local wind patterns and atmospheric mixing. Kolda lies approximately 350 kilometers southeast of Dakar, Senegal’s capital, and serves as a crucial regional hub for trade and agriculture. The surrounding landscape is dominated by extensive savannah grasslands, interspersed with shea and baobab trees, transitioning into more wooded areas further south towards Guinea. Significant agricultural activity, particularly cashew nut and peanut farming, defines the rural areas immediately surrounding Kolda, contributing to potential dust and biomass burning episodes. The city’s urban-rural gradient is relatively sharp; the built environment quickly gives way to agricultural fields and savannah. While Kolda lacks immediate proximity to major rivers, it benefits from seasonal rainfall, which influences humidity levels and atmospheric stability. There are no major industrial belts directly adjacent to Kolda, though smaller-scale processing facilities related to agriculture are present. The prevailing winds generally flow from the southwest, influenced by the broader West African monsoon system, impacting the dispersal of any locally generated pollutants. The relatively flat terrain and open landscape allow for good ventilation, but agricultural practices and seasonal burning can still significantly impact local air quality.

Kolda’s air quality is intrinsically linked to its tropical savanna climate, exhibiting a distinct wet and dry season cycle. The dry season, roughly from November to May, presents the most significant air quality challenges. During these months, reduced rainfall leads to drier vegetation and soil, increasing the likelihood of wind-blown dust events. Agricultural practices, including land clearing by burning, are also more prevalent, releasing particulate matter and other pollutants into the atmosphere. Temperature inversions, though less frequent than in colder climates, can occasionally occur during the cooler nights of the dry season, trapping pollutants near the ground. The harmattan wind, a dry and dusty trade wind originating from the Sahara, frequently impacts Kolda during this period, carrying significant amounts of dust and reducing visibility. The wet season, from June to October, generally brings improved air quality due to increased rainfall, which washes pollutants from the atmosphere and reduces dust generation. However, periods of intense rainfall can lead to localized flooding and the release of mold spores, potentially affecting respiratory health. The months of February and March often experience peak dust concentrations due to the combined effects of dry conditions and agricultural burning. Outdoor activities are generally best enjoyed during the wet season, particularly in July and August. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, should exercise caution during the dry season, limiting prolonged outdoor exposure and wearing appropriate masks when dust levels are high. Increased humidity during the wet season can exacerbate allergies for some individuals.