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Kadoma, situated in Mashonaland West Province, Zimbabwe, occupies a geographically significant position within the country’s mineral-rich heartland. Located at approximately -18.34° latitude and 29.90° longitude, the city’s terrain is characterized by undulating hills and valleys, a consequence of its location within the Harare-Kadoma-Kwekwe geological belt. This region is historically associated with gold mining, and remnants of this activity, including open pits and tailings dams, are visible within and around the urban area, potentially contributing to localized dust pollution. Kadoma sits at an elevation of roughly 1100 meters above sea level, influencing temperature patterns and atmospheric stability. The city is not directly adjacent to a major river, though smaller streams and seasonal waterways traverse the landscape, impacting local humidity and drainage. The surrounding landscape is a mix of small-scale agriculture – predominantly maize and tobacco farming – and extensive grasslands, transitioning into drier savanna further afield. This agricultural activity, particularly during harvesting and burning seasons, can contribute to regional smoke and particulate matter. Kadoma’s urban-rural gradient is relatively sharp; the city quickly gives way to rural farming communities and mining concessions. The proximity to larger industrial centers like Kwekwe, with its steel production, and Harare, the capital, means Kadoma can experience transboundary pollution events, particularly during periods of stagnant air. The geological composition, combined with mining activities and agricultural practices, shapes Kadoma’s unique environmental profile and influences its air quality challenges.

Kadoma’s air quality experiences a distinct seasonal pattern dictated by Zimbabwe’s tropical climate, characterized by a wet and a dry season. The dry season, typically spanning from April to October, presents the greatest air quality concerns. During these months, lower rainfall and higher temperatures lead to increased evaporation and dust generation from agricultural fields and mining operations. The lack of rainfall also reduces the natural cleansing effect of precipitation, allowing pollutants to accumulate. Temperature inversions, common during the cooler months (June-August), trap pollutants near the ground, exacerbating the problem. Wind patterns during this period are often light and variable, further hindering pollutant dispersal. The burning of agricultural residues after harvest, a common practice, significantly contributes to particulate matter pollution, particularly in September and October. The wet season, from November to March, generally brings improved air quality due to frequent rainfall, which washes pollutants from the atmosphere. However, periods of heavy rainfall can also lead to flooding and the release of pollutants from contaminated sites. Fog, particularly in the mornings during the transition months (March/April and September/October), can trap pollutants and reduce visibility. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, should exercise caution during the dry season, limiting outdoor activities during peak pollution periods, especially when agricultural burning is prevalent. Maintaining indoor air quality through ventilation and air purification can also be beneficial.