"Every year, from December to April, the Harmattan sweeps across Africa. This cool, dry and dust-laden wind gets its name from haramata, a word in the Ghanaian language Fanti. ...

The Harmattan's effects go beyond reduced visibility and dryness. It has an impact on human health, agriculture and ecosystems.

Our research explores weather and climate hazards and their impacts on various sectors in West Africa, including dry and wet periods. In this article, we explain what the Harmattan is, its causes, when and how it occurs, and its impact on public health in affected regions."

Christophe Lavaysse and Cheikh Modou Noreyni Fall report for The Conversation March 30, 2025. [2]