Improving Air Quality Measurement in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Air pollution is a growing concern in Africa, posing a significant threat to public health. Tackling this issue effectively requires robust and transparent data, innovative tools, and collaboration.
The CLEAN-Air Forum is an annual convening for communities of practice across Africa, providing a vital platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and multi-regional partnerships aimed at tackling air pollution in African cities.
This year, the Institute for Economic Development contributed to the Forum with a dedicated session on improving air quality measurement in low- and middle-income countries. The session focused on how different air quality monitoring systems can be effectively integrated to address critical data gaps and strengthen evidence-based policymaking.
Bringing together leading researchers and policymakers from across the region, the discussion highlighted innovative approaches and practical solutions for advancing air pollution measurement in developing countries.
The session was chaired by Ruozi Song, Economist at the World Bank. Panelists included Patrick Behrer, Research Economist at the World Bank; Mary Tran, Monitoring & Evaluation Senior Specialist from the University of Chicago; Mr. Lantam Djeri-Wake from the Ministry of Environment, Togo; and Professor Robert Mbiake from the University of Douala.
Participants highlighted how innovative tools can significantly enhance air quality monitoring systems. The discussion stressed the importance of measuring both indoor and outdoor pollution to inform adaptation decisions from individuals and regulatory design by governments. The session also underscored the role of high-quality data, good information sharing methods, and strong stakeholder engagement with examples from the Republic of Georgia and Togo.
By monitoring air quality, facilitating stakeholder dialogue, and promoting awareness, Togo’s Air Quality Project highlights the central role of governments in addressing air pollution. - Mr. Lantam Djeri-Wake, Ministry of Environment, Togo.
Work presented by Mary Tran from the University of Chicago further emphasized how local actors embedded in their communities’ political and social contexts can play a key role in closing global air quality data gaps. An example from the University of Douala suggests that low-cost monitors can also contribute to bridging this gap with proper calibration.
When tackling the issue of air pollution, data alone is not enough. It becomes truly powerful when it is shared, and it’s inclusive and accessible to local communities, policymakers, and researchers under ethical and transparent data governance.
The transformation from awareness into action is also crucial. This involves citizen-led efforts, regional collaborations, cross-sectoral engagement with polluting sectors, and the exchange of knowledge and solutions for cleaner air.
Following the panel, the audience engaged in a dynamic discussion focused mainly on the differences between using low-cost and regulatory-grade monitors to gather information about pollution. Experts acknowledged that both approaches can be useful, depending on the context.
A key takeaway from the session was the importance of building state capacity to facilitate accurate monitoring and reporting of pollution regardless of the types of monitors chosen.
