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Kafia Kingi, nestled within Western Bahr el Ghazal State in South Sudan, occupies a geographically significant position on the fringes of the vast Sudd wetlands. Located at approximately 9.2734° N, 24.4170° E, the city’s terrain is predominantly flat, characteristic of the surrounding savanna grasslands and floodplains. Its elevation is relatively low, contributing to a tendency for stagnant air conditions, particularly during drier periods. The city sits near the western edge of the Sudd, a massive swamp ecosystem fed by the White Nile, influencing local hydrology and vegetation patterns. The surrounding landscape is a mosaic of grasslands, scattered acacia woodlands, and seasonally inundated areas, creating a distinct urban–rural gradient. While Kafia Kingi itself is a small settlement, its proximity to agricultural zones—primarily subsistence farming focused on sorghum, maize, and cassava—means that agricultural practices, including burning of vegetation for land clearing, can contribute to localized air pollution. There are no major industrial belts immediately adjacent to Kafia Kingi; however, the potential for future development related to agricultural processing or resource extraction could alter the regional air quality profile. The city’s location within a generally open, flat landscape allows for relatively good dispersion of pollutants when winds are present, but also means that pollutants can travel considerable distances, impacting downwind communities. The influence of the Sudd wetlands moderates temperatures and humidity, but also introduces biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) into the atmosphere, which can react with other pollutants.

Kafia Kingi experiences a tropical savanna climate, characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons rather than the traditional four seasons. The dry season, typically spanning from November to April, presents the most significant air quality challenges. During this period, reduced rainfall and lower humidity lead to drier vegetation and increased dust emissions from agricultural activities and unpaved roads. The lack of rainfall also limits the natural cleansing effect of precipitation, allowing pollutants to accumulate. Temperature inversions, common during the cooler nights of the dry season, trap pollutants near the ground, exacerbating the problem. Wind patterns during this time are often light and variable, further hindering dispersion. The wet season, from May to October, brings increased rainfall and higher humidity, which generally improves air quality by washing away particulate matter and reducing dust. However, the wet season can also bring its own challenges, such as increased fungal spores and mould, which can affect respiratory health. Months like February and March, at the peak of the dry season, are generally periods to avoid strenuous outdoor activity, particularly for children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions. During the wet season, while overall air quality improves, vigilance regarding waterborne diseases and potential allergens remains important. The interplay of these seasonal factors dictates a fluctuating air quality profile, demanding adaptive health strategies throughout the year. The prevalence of open fires for cooking and heating, especially during the cooler dry season, also contributes to localized pollution events.