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Sansanné-Mango, nestled within Togo’s Savanes Region, occupies a geographically significant position at approximately 10.3556° N, 0.4756° E. The city’s location, relatively close to the Burkina Faso border, places it within a transitional zone between the forested southern regions of Togo and the drier, more expansive Sahelian landscape. The terrain surrounding Sansanné-Mango is characterized by gently undulating plains, punctuated by low hills and scattered savannas. Elevation is modest, generally ranging between 200 and 350 meters above sea level, which influences local wind patterns and atmospheric mixing. While not directly adjacent to a major river, the area benefits from seasonal rainfall and the presence of smaller watercourses, contributing to localized humidity. The urban fabric of Sansanné-Mango is still developing, exhibiting a clear urban–rural gradient as it expands outwards. Surrounding the city are predominantly agricultural lands, with subsistence farming – particularly millet, sorghum, and maize cultivation – being the dominant economic activity. This agricultural zone, combined with the potential for seasonal burning practices during land clearing, can contribute to localized particulate matter emissions. Further afield, the Sahelian landscape dictates a drier climate and limited vegetation cover, impacting regional air mass movements. The city’s relatively isolated location, while offering some protection from major industrial belts, means it is susceptible to transboundary pollution events carried by prevailing winds from neighboring countries, particularly during drier periods when atmospheric stability increases.

Sansanné-Mango experiences a tropical savanna climate, characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons rather than the four traditional seasons. The dry season, typically spanning from November to April, presents the most significant air quality challenges. During this period, reduced rainfall and increased sunshine hours lead to drier vegetation and soil, increasing the risk of bushfires and agricultural burning for land preparation. These fires release substantial quantities of particulate matter (PM) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the atmosphere. Furthermore, the lack of rainfall means there's less atmospheric cleansing, and pollutants linger for longer periods. Temperature inversions, common during the cooler nights of the dry season, trap pollutants near the ground, exacerbating the problem. The wet season, from May to October, brings relief as frequent rainfall washes away particulate matter and dilutes gaseous pollutants. Increased humidity also helps to suppress dust generation. Wind patterns shift during the wet season, often bringing in cleaner air from the south. However, heavy rainfall can occasionally lead to localized flooding, which can temporarily release pollutants from stagnant water sources. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, should exercise caution during the dry season, particularly during periods of agricultural burning. Limiting outdoor exertion and wearing masks can help mitigate exposure. The months of January and February often see the poorest air quality due to a combination of dry conditions and widespread burning activities. Conversely, July and August typically offer the best air quality, coinciding with the peak of the wet season.