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Kapiri Mposhi, situated in Zambia’s Central Province at coordinates -13.9772, 28.6847, occupies a crucial position along the Great North Road, a major transport artery connecting Lusaka with northern Zambia and beyond. The town’s geography is defined by the undulating terrain of the Central Plateau, lying at an elevation of approximately 1200-1300 meters above sea level. This plateau landscape contributes to temperature inversions, a key factor influencing air quality. The surrounding area is predominantly miombo woodland, a vast savanna ecosystem, interspersed with agricultural lands focused on maize and other staple crops. While no major bodies of water directly border Kapiri Mposhi, the town is within the catchment area of several rivers feeding into the Zambezi River system. The presence of the Tazara Railway line, alongside the Great North Road, creates a concentrated corridor of transport-related activity. The urban-rural gradient is relatively sharp; Kapiri Mposhi is a significant transport hub but remains a relatively small town surrounded by extensive rural areas. Dust from unpaved roads, vehicle emissions from heavy traffic, and seasonal agricultural burning all contribute to localised air pollution challenges, exacerbated by the plateau’s tendency to trap pollutants.

Kapiri Mposhi experiences a distinct wet and dry season, heavily influencing air quality. The dry season, from May to October, sees significantly reduced rainfall and increased dust levels. This period witnesses the highest pollution concentrations, particularly from road traffic and agricultural practices like slash-and-burn clearing for the next planting season. October is often the worst month, with dry conditions and increased burning. Temperature inversions are more frequent during the cool, dry mornings, trapping pollutants near ground level. The wet season, November to April, brings relief through rainfall which washes away particulate matter. However, even during the wet season, vehicle emissions remain a consistent source of pollution. January and February, the peak of the rainy season, generally offer the best air quality. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should limit outdoor exposure during the dry season, especially in October. During the wet season, while overall air quality improves, mould growth indoors can exacerbate respiratory issues. Monitoring wind patterns is crucial; winds from the south can carry pollutants from agricultural areas into the town.