The Harmattan season, locally known as ‘ụ́gụ̀rụ̀’ in Igbo, is a dry and dusty period in Southeastern Nigeria and other West African countries like Ghana and Ivory Coast. It occurs from late November to mid-March, bringing cooler temperatures, reduced humidity, and a hazy sky filled with fine dust from the Sahara Desert.

The actual meaning of the word is a late 17th-century adaptation from the Akan word “haramata,” which means a very dry, dusty easterly or north-easterly wind.

These winds can blow at speeds exceeding 30 kilometres per hour, carrying dust across long distances and causing widespread haze that reduces visibility and occasionally disrupts air travel.

Impact on Daily Life

The impact of Harmattan on daily life is multifaceted. A 2024 study found that dust carried by the Harmattan increases child mortality and has persistent health impacts on surviving children. Humidity can drop below 15%, resulting in spontaneous nosebleeds for some people. Other effects include dry skin, chapped lips, and respiratory diseases such as asthma. The dust also irritates the eyes, exacerbating allergies.

Agricultural Challenges: Effects on Plants and Farming

Agriculturally, Harmattan poses challenges by desiccating crops, reducing soil moisture, and potentially leading to food shortages if not managed carefully.

Cultural Significance

In Igbo culture, Harmattan marks the start of the harvest season, a time for community activities and celebrations. People adjust their routines by wearing protective clothing and moisturising their skin to cope with the harsh conditions.

Benefits of Harmattan

Despite its challenges, the Harmattan season has its benefits, including cooler temperatures and relief from the sweltering heat of other seasons. Many households engage in food preservation activities during this period, taking advantage of the dry air to store grains and other produce.

Conclusion

Overall, while Harmattan presents certain challenges, it is an integral part of the annual climatic cycle in West Africa, profoundly shaping both the environmental and cultural landscapes.

References

• Merriam-Webster. (2012). Harmattan. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary.
• Knox. (1919). The Harmattan wind. Geographical Review.
• Minka, N. S., & Ayo, J. (2014). Influence of cold–dry (harmattan) season on colonic temperature and the development of pulmonary hypertension in broiler chickens, and the modulating effect of ascorbic acid. Open Access Animal Physiology, 6, 1-8. https://doi.org/10.2147/OAAP.S51741
• Sivakumar, M. V. K., & Ndiang’ui, N. (Eds.). (2007). Climate and land degradation. Environmental Science and Engineering. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-72438-4
• Adhvaryu, A., Bharadwaj, P., Fenske, J., Nyshadham, A., & Stanley, R. (2024). Dust and death: Evidence from the West African Harmattan. The Economic Journal, 134(659), 885–912. https://doi.org/10.1093/ej/uead088